2024 RSHYR: Veteran Sydney Hobart yachtie Justin Clougher on the race
by Di Pearson/RSHYR Media 30 Dec 2024 18:00 AEDT
30 December 2024
He has 15 Sydney Hobarts with four Line Honours and an Overall win, multiple America's, Admiral and Clipper/Kenwood Cups, round the World races, Transpacs, Fastnets, and a record-breaking Transatlantic crossing on his vast resume, so Justin 'Juggy' Clougher, a Tasmanian native, knows what he's talking about when it comes to ocean racing.
Juggy, who has called Newport, Rhode Island home for some years, is a highly sort-after bowman around the world. He is one of the best in the business - and it is his business, a full time career. This year, he raced on David Griffiths' Judel/Vrolijk 62 from NSW, the fourth boat to cross the Hobart finish line and is currently placed sixth overall.
Juggy took time afterwards to reflect on the race, its safety and the death of two sailors. And Clougher knows tough races. He was aboard Larry Ellison's Sayonara when it took line honours in the 1998 Sydney Hobart, the year six sailors died.
"I can't express words for the sadness of the loss of two lives in this race, but we all accept the risks in a race like this and the challenges that appear from time to time," Clougher said.
"Like all others, we (on Whisper) were cognisant of the conditions before we left and racing became a fine line - a bit on the edge - you have to make judgement calls and sail safely.
"While the forecast is one thing, Mother Nature throws in what she wants at times - so you'd better have an exit plan - and it needs to be a good one. That's a must," Clougher stipulated.
"This race has the highest safety standards and we (sailors) appreciate that. We've been through the 1998 race and there is no blame to be held - in that race - or this one.
"The Sydney Hobart is a Category 1 race and the CYCA (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia) has the highest safety standards in the world. And they work hard to maintain them and make the race as safe as is possible.
"But things can happen and you can't stop them: earthquakes, floods, fires, cyclones. You can plan and put things in place all you like, but you can't stop some things, especially in extreme sports" he said.
"When you race, you have equipment - and you have to know what that equipment is - and know how to use it.
"People can, and do, point fingers when you have bad situations
"But when some things happen, the reality is people are not typically doing anything wrong. Boats are high tech. They are lighter and faster. They are lively and animated. So things will go wrong. That's a given in the sailing fraternity.
"People, the public, should know that we are given a lot of information before the Sydney Hobart and that is a very powerful tool - and there to use," he said.
Clougher paid his respects to the two sailors who died in the race, adding, "I love this race and I love my job, part of which involves looking after the crew. I will continue to do this race and help to train up the younger people I encounter on the boats I sail on."