SSAA 185nm Two Islands Race - just one month to go

by Peter McCorquodale on 20 Sep 2007 The Short Handed Sailing Association of Australia’s new feature race from Sydney, north to Bird Island, south to Flinders Islet and then back to Sydney is only one month away!

The race of approximately 185 nautical miles is to start at 10 am on Saturday 20th October 2007 in Hunter Bay off Balmoral. The competitors will then sail northwards to Bird Island just north of Norah Head, being expected to round it late afternoon or early evening depending upon the breeze. Then there’s a long 90 mile leg south to Flinders Islet off Port Kembla, before turning for the finish some 45 miles to the north, just inside South Head.

The race is open to both monohull and multihull yachts holding Category 3 safety plus a liferaft - crewed by two people (with autopilot) or three (no autopilot).

The Two Islands race replaces the SSAA Lord Howe Island race. The new race is accessible to a much broader group of yachts, is likely to finish within the weekend of 20/21 October, and has the added advantage of no delivery trip home after the race for Sydney based yachts!

The course also contains many ports of refuge along the route should the weather deteriorate.

The race is one that is sure to be a challenge at nearly 200 miles long with two island roundings and most importantly sailed short handed.

Short handed sailing is challenging and generates great personal satisfaction to those who participate in it. The knowledge that you have finished a course without the assistance of a large crew is a great feeling.

So, if you are interested in a challenge, then why not give it a go?

For further information visit www.ssaa.com.au and navigate to the Racing & Events page.