Indian sailor Ajay Rau to Sail Rolex Sydney Hobart 2009

by Aysha Rau & Sail-World.com on 8 Nov 2009 Indian and Royal Madras Yacht Club sailor – Ajay Rau is currently looking for companies to sponsor his various sailing campaigns after confirming his participation in the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2009.

The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is regarded the toughest offshore yacht race in the world. Often described as 628 nautical miles of sheer torture, it is one of the most grueling long ocean races in the world. A challenge to everyone who takes part.

Ajay will be part of the crew racing 'Merit' on board the former Volvo 60 round-the-world racing yacht, taking on some of the most competitive race yachts in Australia and the world. In the Sydney Hobart 2008 edition Merit was 1st in her division and 16th overall on line honours. Ajay has the distinction of being the first Indian sailor to participate in this race.

An impressive fleet of 116 has been nominated for the impending Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race .The start line set on Sydney's spectacular harbour represents an irresistible challenge for a wide range of sailors including Olympic Medalists, America's Cup winners, Volvo sailors and a group of equally determined club sailors who relish the chance to compete in one major blue water marathon every year.

Ajay's Asian Games campaign is on track after achieving India’s all time best result, 15th at the 2009 Laser Radial Men’s World championship. His Olympic campaign is also on track in a bid to become the first Indian to qualify for 2012 in the Laser class. Recently he started crewing on keel boats.

Now he is competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2009 which is one of the most challenging yacht races in the world. The Indian sailor is currently based in Sydney and over a short period of time he has been making giant strides in the sport.

About Rolex Sydney Hobart: The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one of the toughest offshore yacht races in the world. From the east coast of Australia with its classic north easterly sea breezes that drive the fleet at breakneck speeds whilst surfing under Spinnaker, to the harsh conditions often encountered in the Bass Straight, the race is no easy ride. The strong ‘Southerly Busters’ bring big winds, and even bigger seas, ensuring that crews taking part in the Hobart face 630NM of extreme sailing. Teamwork and commitment are of paramount importance.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2009 will start on 26 December and will be conducted on the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River.

The yacht- Merit, a former Volvo 60 round-the-world racing yacht has contested many offshore races since coming to Australia, sailing under various names, including Indec Merit, News Corp and Line 7, under which name she set a record for the then 408 nm Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race (the race distance has since been extended slightly.

The boat was recently purchased and refitted in preparation for the race by its new owners in North Queensland).

Sydney and Ajay Rau: A special bond

Sydney seems to be where Ajay has always been reaching milestones in the sport. Among the top milestones before his inclusion into the Sydney Hobart Race, Ajay Rau took part in his first senior world championships which was also the last qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

He is also a strong favorite to become the first Indian to race the Laser class at the 2012 Olympic Games. He has been campaigning hard since 2006 for the 2012 Olympic Games and has been proudly associated with organizations such as the Mittal Champions Trust, AMM Foundation and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

In 2008 Merit's owner’s Leo Rodriguez and Ian Bishop gained a special place in International Ocean racing history when their former global race Volvo 60, Telcoinabox Merit, became the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart Performance Handicap Champion. Rodriguez and his crew had managed to win the trophy after redress as they completed a dramatic rescue of the 14 Victorian crew sailing Georgia before the yacht sank.