Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Clipper Race fleet to compete

by Marina Thomas on 19 Oct 2015 The international Clipper Race fleet will once again compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR) this December, bringing colour with Corinthian sailors from 26 different nationalities.

And legendary British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (76), the founder of the world’s longest ocean race and the first man to sail solo, nonstop round the world in 1968/9, will also race on one of two Clipper 68 Events yachts taking part.

The 14-strong fleet will compete in the Australian offshore classic for the second time as part of its 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation, and will once again have its own Clipper Race class.

The fleet will arrive into Sydney around December 11 on the All-Australian Leg, half-way in its global race series having departed London on 30 August.

Sir Robin said: “There is a real buzz amongst our Clipper Race crew about racing with the world’s best sailors again in one of the most famous offshore races. The crew will have sailed half way round the world in order to participate, and will be excited to pit themselves against the best competitors in the sport.

“The event was one of the highlights of the entire circumnavigation when we first competed in 2013, and we are very excited to be coming back to compete again.”

The two Sydney-based Clipper 68s are entered in the RSHYR. Join Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and past crew racing against the Clipper 70s and the rest of the RSHYR fleet. Former Clipper Race crew and non-crew are invited to take part.

Amongst the Clipper Race competitors will be Sydney Skipper Wendy Tuck, the first Australian female Skipper in the history of the Clipper Race, who is leading the Da Nang – Viet Nam entry. It will be her ninth RSHYR. Great Britain and Visit Seattle Skippers Peter Thornton and Huw Fernie will also compete in their second RSHYR.

And 50 Australian amateur crew are competing in the circumnavigation from across various states.

On announcing the fleet is officially entered, CYCA Commodore, John Cameron added: “This year the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is shaping up to be a spectacular - our 71st race will be an event to watch - from the super maxis vying for the fastest time to the bulk of the fleet battling it out for the prized Tattersall’s Cup, awarded to the overall winner.

“Added to the mix we have, for the second time, the Clipper Race yachts. They will bring an additional 14 boats to our race, with the added character that only Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and his yachts and crews can add as part of their round the world Race, and we look forward to welcoming them back,” he ended.

The fleet will arrive in Sydney from Albany, Western Australia, before racing in the 628 nautical mile classic, which will form Race five of the 14 race global Clipper 2015-16 Race series.

To enquire about racing the RSHYR on a Clipper 68, email Australia MD Kirsty Whyte at australia@clipper-ventures.com or call +61 (0) 2 9363 2020.