Starting at Beauty Point on 27 December 2020, the race will be celebrating its 14th birthday as the fleet sails the 285 nautical mile race along the rugged northern and eastern coastline of Tasmania.
An important aspect of this year’s race will be to ensuring the health and safety of sailors through the preventative measures of the COVID-19 Safety Plan, a critical aspect of the race management. Organisers Derwent Sailing Squadron said the support of TasPorts will see the fleet continue to enjoy the facilities and services of the scenic Hobart ports area as boats finish the race in Hobart this year.
Early interest for this year’s race is demonstrating some excitement with the local Tasmanian fleet. Local boats such as Bryan Walpole’s Invincible and Justin Barr’s Rumbeat will potentially see a Farr 1104 design showdown. Previous overall winners Stewart Geeves’ Young 88 Footloose and Paul Einoder’s Beneteau Oceanis 34 Off-Piste may also be contenders for the race.
For aspiring young sailors, the Launceston to Hobart provides an opportunity for offshore sailing development and experience. John Dryden’s Jazz Player and Kraken 42S, co-owned by Mark Bayles and Andrew Sinclair, have been leading the charge in developing younger crews during the recently Combined Clubs Winter Series and the 2020 Ronald Young & Co. Builders Pipe Opener would be a fantastic addition to the fleet.
“The interest for the years Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race will potentially see a strong fleet of Tasmanian boats and depending on boarder restrictions we are already receiving interest from interstate boats,” said Nick Connor, Vice Commodore.
Entries are now open for this local yacht race with a reputation for strong and competitive racing under the ratings of IRC, AMS and PHS handicap. This year entrants will also be able to enter the highly regarded ORCi rating.
You can find more event information here.
Sydney to Hobart Still On
Earlier this month, organising club the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia reassured potential competitors that, at this stage, they are still planning to hold the race.
CYCA Commodore, Noel Cornish AM, said: “The CYCA is continuing preparations for the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
“The current situation in relation to COVID-19 in Australia and across the world is dynamic – we’re working with a number of parties, with a view to staging the Rolex Sydney Hobart in the most appropriate way possible.
“We will endeavour to provide an update in October when the outlook is hopefully a little clearer, and we appreciate everyone’s patience in what is a very challenging time for all.
“Our thoughts and best wishes go to those affected by the pandemic across Australia and around the world.
“It is important as a leader in our sport, that the CYCA does the right thing in regards to the running of the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – with the health and safety of competitors, fans, staff, our partners, other stakeholders and the community the number-one priority.”
