Sydney-Hobart sails on

Organisers hope to navigate Covid hurdles

WITH 100 days to go before the Sydney to Hobart yacht race starts on Boxing Day, organisers remain “hopeful” the coronavirus pandemic will not stop the blue water classic setting sail for the second year in a row and are encouraging all competitors to get vaccinated.

The Covid-19 pandemic sank the 2020 version of the 629 nautical mile race to Hobart, with the 76th event called off only a few days before the starting gun was scheduled to fire on Sydney Harbour. Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Noel Cornish said the CYCA was “well prepared” to host a Covid-safe race if given the green light by the NSW and Tasmanian governments.

So far 76 boats have been entered in the 2021 event.

“We were so disappointed to have to cancel the 2020 race due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

We are once again working through a number of challenges as we prepare for this year’s race,” Mr Cornish said.

“We acknowledge that some decisions will be out of our control, but we remain hopeful that the race will go ahead as planned on Boxing Day.

“We are in ongoing discussions with the NSW and Tasmanian state governments to keep abreast of changes to policy.

“The CYCA is focusing on what is in our control.

“An extensive Covid-safe plan is already in place and is being regularly adapted to comply with the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

“We are also encouraging competitors to consider their vaccination status, in the event this is a condition required by either state government.”

If the race cannot head to Hobart, the CYCA may consider an alternative course such as to Lord Howe Island and return among the possibilities.

“Given the Tasmanian border is closed to NSW residents, the club is looking at options to modify the Rolex SydneyHobart race course if it should become necessary,” he said.

“Contingency planning is under way and we are considering an alternative race if the border to Tasmania remains closed.

“More information will be available over the coming months, but our priority will always be to preserve the route that has made the Rolex Sydney-Hobart the pinnacle of offshore sailing over the last 77 years.”

Mr Cornish thanked major sponsor, Rolex, CYCA partners and competitors “for their support and understanding”.