Nothing like it: Pair reunite for ’very special occasion’

ACROSS their many years in sports broadcasting, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race holds a special place in the heart for commentators Peter Gee and Gordon Bray.

“Gordon and I were always around events like this, but this is the first time we’ve actually been at the finish working together,” Gee said on the Hobart waterfront on Tuesday.

The pair have worked together over the years at world events such as the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

“There’s nothing like the Rolex Sydney to Hobart and especially the finish. No city or state embraces a yacht race like Tasmania,” Gee said.

Bray and Gee met decades ago, with a friendship that has blossomed over the years from their sporting passion.

“We had some very competitive games of golf and tennis, so the friendship was always there,” said Bray.

He said the event brings a sense of nostalgia, as his first sports posting was for the Sydney to Hobart in 1970.

“I was just captivated by the enthusiasm, excitement, and the way Hobartians just came out of the woodwork,” Bray said.

“It’s a very special occasion and so exciting to be still able to come back after all those years and just wrap myself in all that euphoria,” he said.

Expert commentary from Bray and Gee is being broadcasted to fans by leading Tasmanian production company Hype TV.

Co-owner of Hype TV, Dave Flower, said it was the biggest crew for a Sydney to Hobart finish line that’s ever been put together.

“This year, we have an expert crew of 13 local producers, editors, camera operators and technical support,” he said.

Mr Flower said this year’s coverage would be the most hi-tech ever.

“We will be able to follow the yachts virtually from Tasman Island right up the Derwent. That’s a range we’ve never had before thanks to advances in drone technology and satellite support.”

“We will also have crews out on the water to cover all the angles,” Mr Flower said.

Hype TV’s coverage will be available at www.youtube.com/ @CYCATV/streams