Inaugural Sydney to Newcastle race draws entry from Volvo 60 Magnavox

by Louise Bashford on 18 Oct 2002 This weekend sees the introduction of two exciting new races into Sydney’s Ocean Racing calendar. The race jointly conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is the result of three years planning and a firm belief in the future of ocean racing.

Friday night sees the commencement of the MHYC Gillawa Shield and CYCA Blue Water & Long Ocean Pointscore Race to Cabbage Tree Is, Bird Is and finishing in Newcastle. On Saturday morning the CYCA conducts its Ocean Pointscore Race from Sydney to Newcastle. The ocean pointscore fleet comprises yachts from not only CYCA but also MHYC, RSYS and other Sydney clubs.

The Middle Harbour Yacht Club registered Volvo 60 “Magnavox” is tipped to be a hot contender in Saturday’s Sydney-Newcastle Race. “Magnavox”, formerly EF Language is now owned by the Sorensen, Hodder, Zemanek and Gray Syndicate and sponsored by the Magnavox, supplier of premium electronic entertainment equipment.

Such is the profile of this race that CYCA designated the Friday evening race as a Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race qualifying event.

With some 60 yachts entered in the 2 races the finish off Newcastle’s’ Nobby’s Head signal station is sure to attract attention.