IRC Regatta to follow 70th Rolex Sydney Hobart

by Peter Campbell on 9 Oct 2014 The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania is planning an IRC Regatta on Hobart’s River Derwent immediately after the 70th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as a follow-up to this significant milestone in Australian offshore yachting history.

The club is seeking expressions of interest from yacht owners in taking part in the Regatta, to be held from 3-5 January 2015 and comprising a mix of windward-leeward harbour race days on the Derwent and a short passage race out into Storm Bay or D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

The RYCT has been associated with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia as the finishing club for the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race since its inception in 1945 and the proposed IRC Regatta will add to the prestige of the 70th blue water classic.

'At the end of December each year the focus of the sailing world is on Hobart, and our proposal for an IRC Regatta on the River Derwent following the Rolex Sydney Hobart will maximise the value for IRC owners and their crews participating in the 70th edition,' RYCT Vice Commodore Matthew said today.

'The skippers and crews of many of the expected 130 yachts competing in the Sydney Hobart may wish to stay in Tasmania for a few days after the long race and we hope they will compete in the IRC Regatta, along with local yachts.

'The River Derwent is an outstanding venue for such a regatta, with the river and adjacent waterways virtually clear of commercial shipping and other sailing championships at that time of the year.'

Vice Commodore Johnston said the RYCT was well-known and respected as a keelboat event manager, having conducted numerous major events in recent years, including the highly successful Farr 40 One Design Australian championship in February 2014.

'Surrounded by hills and majestic Mount Wellington, there is no more picturesque place in Australia than the River Derwent to conduct yacht racing,' he added.

'The D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Storm Bay offer a full range of sailing conditions, challenging sailors to be at their best.

'The IRC Regatta will be run out of our club, with boats berthed at our floating marina in Sandy Bay for the duration of the event. Social events will include dock parties, barbeques and Tasmania’s legendary seafood.'

Vice Commodore Matthew Johnston will head the organising committee with race management being under the guidance of International Race Officer Nick Hutton, National Race Officer Scott Price and a team of highly skilled volunteers, many of whom were involved in the recent Farr 40 OD National Championship.

'The RYCT would appreciate responses from these interested in participating in the IRC Regatta by email to our Sailing Operations Manager Nick Hutton sailing@ryct.org.au by 31 October 2014,' the Vice Commodore added.

The proposed program will be:

Friday, 2 January 2015 (pm): Registration and welcome function at the RYCT.
Saturday, 3 January 2015: Up to 3 x W/L races on the Derwent. Dock party after racing.
Sunday, 4 January 2015: Short passage race. BBQ at Club.
Monday, 5 January 2015: Up to 2 x W/L races on the Derwent, Dock party after racing; Presentation drinks and Tassie Seafood in the evening.