Volvo 60 Tyco stumbles at the Green Cape Gate

by Peter Campbell on 27 Dec 2001 The Volvo Ocean 60 yacht, Tyco, will not be recorded as a finisher in the 57th CYCA Sydney
Hobart Yacht Race after failing to meet a mandatory safety check-in with Race Control when
abeam of Green Cape, approaching Bass Strait.



However, this will not affect her position in the Volvo Ocean Race which is using the Sydney
Hobart as part of its third leg of the round the world race, from Sydney to Auckland.



At last report, Tyco, sailing for Bermuda and skippered by New Zealander Kevin Shoebridge,
was placed third in line honours as the fleet raced across Bass Strait, behind two other VO60s,
illbruck and Team News Corp.



The Race Committee advised Tyco of its action at the 2100 “sked” (position report) tonight with
the Sydney Hobart fleet.



The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia introduced the mandatory-reporting-from-Green Cape rule
as an additional safety requirement following the tragic 1998 Sydney Hobart Race. The decision
does not affect Tyco’s standing in the Volvo Ocean Race.



In a statement issued tonight, the Race Committee said it had met at 1405 hours today to
consider the situation regarding Tyco’s report in accordance with Sailing Instruction 43, when
crossing latitude 37 degrees 15 minutes South (Green Cape).



The Race Committee considered that Tyco failed to comply with Sailing Instruction 43.2 in that
its report was seven minutes outside the allowed time of one hour after passing the check-in
latitude.



In accordance with the Sailing Instructions, Tyco shall be record as DNF (did not finish) and will
not feature in the 57th CYCA Sydney Hobart Race placings, the Race Committee stated.



Rule 43 of the Sailing Instructions requires that on approaching 37.15 South (Green Cape)
each boat must assess whether the boat and its crew are in a satisfactory condition to continue
racing, having considered the latest weather forecasts, and that its HF radio is operational and
has a signal strength fit for the ensuring purpose.



The Volvo 60 yachts are eligible for Line Honours in the Sydney Hobart Race and a special
Volvo Trophy, but not for any Handicap results.