Who let the dogs out?
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor 19 Oct 14:00 PDT
Celestial V70 heading South in the 2024 RSHYR © Bow Caddy Media
Yes indeed. Who? Now in the canine world there's a thing called 'Best in Show'. It also happens to be a hilarious movie. However, right here, right now, out of all the entries, and all the divisions, we can tell you who is going to win the 2025 Sydney to Hobart, before it is even run. That's right. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
It will be Assistance Dogs Australia. Boom. Mic drop moment right there. Assistance Dogs Australia will be getting a cheque from Sydney Animal Hospitals, in the form of a donation as a percentage of services conducted at their facilities during the lead up to the big race. Dogs raised and trained by ADA are provided to people with physical disabilities, PTSD, and autism.
Best of all, everyone can top up the amount from Sydney Animal Hospitals with their own donation for these utterly priceless companions by going to donations.assistancedogs.org.au - so go on. If you're so inclined, throw a dog a bone, or place down a chicken dinner (in the form of a dog loaf) to a real pal, and feel so good all over. We're tipping that in a very special place it will feel even better than hoisting either the Illingworth Trophy or Tattersall Cup aloft. Promise!
Just completing an ocean race is a special achievement. By extension, winning it takes even more, and so accordingly, holds a totally enduring aspect. Now the tougher the gig, the bigger the memory too, no matter whether that's the competition you overcame, or Huey's best, which is hilarious in itself, for that usually comes in the form of his worst. Overcome both and it is very much the daily double. Take a bow.
In a crewed event, that means not only were the right people on board, which we used to call the A-Team, it relied on them all getting on and thereby delivering that oh-so-crucial synergy. It is the big 16-cylinder Diesel running at two Bar of boost, all day, every day. Whooshka. Just listen to the turbo whistle...
Now to get to that point there is always one key motivating factor. Yes, there are others, and their importance cannot be underestimated, but just the one sits atop the pyramid. One the hand it is a tad lonely there, but it does serve to be the proverbial beacon, that kind of stands out like the male dog's appendages. In the old days when you had the big eyes up and got a fix so you could give the Navigator a bearing it was pretty cool. Lost no more...
Certainly not a case of dead reckoning now, and that special drive for one Sam Haynes would have to be returning to the Hobart as Commodore once more and defending your overall win from 2024. The result of which is that you then become the only Commodore of the CYCA to ever achieve such a feat. Booyah. That's some legacy.
So, what else do you need?
Firstly, a leave pass. Granted. Perhaps even pushed out the door with your FOMO. (Well done, Mel).
Next, the weapon of choice, so why not return with the very same craft that excelled so well last year? Hey presto! There's the Volvo Ocean 70 once more. Don't forget new rags. If you are going to run at two Bar like you did last year, then you don't want to melt the pistons into the walls. In order to finish first, first you have to finish, and last year they were pretty much down to the galley cloth by the time they passed the Iron Pot.
Finally, the souls to drive it like you stole it. Indeed. Just don't bounce it off the rev limiter, so you keep the valve train intact. Not surprisingly, for this 80th belt South, many have returned all fired up to, 'Make it so, Mr Sulu'.
Speaking to all of these points, Haynes commented, "I've got Mel and my family keen to see me racing, and they are excited for us being able to go again. Also, my son, William is on board once more. This was a big motivation, but being a racing Commodore was certainly a massive component, and a lot of members have spoken very positively with me about that. By no means is it a prerequisite, but the overarching theme of harking back to an era when the Commodore did race is sitting really well, and I don't think it is just nostalgia."
Right then. Just who are the Salty Dawgs of Celestial?
Now if we're talking best in show, check this lot out:
Sam Haynes - Skipper
Jack Macartney - Campaign Manager / Watch Captain
Rob Greenhalgh - Sailing Master / Tactics (won the S2H four times no less)
Luke Parkinson - Watch Captain
David Chapman - Strategy
Alex Nolan - Navigator
Pablo Torrado - Bow
Lindsay Stead - Bow 2
Lewis Brake - Trim/Grind
Harry West - Trim
Will Mackenzie - Trim
William Haynes - Grind
David Burt - Boat Captain - always good to have the person who knows the boat with you
Nick Bice - Pit - doesn't he just know a Volvo inside out...
Haynes added, "It was wonderful to see so many commit to the programme so swiftly, once we had secured the charter (of the vessel born as Ericsson 3) from Jim Cooney. These two elements were utterly crucial to us pushing the go button. Sailing with this crew is a real joy, and the new ones we have brought in are super-pedigreed."
At this point do note that this outfit has been a class act for many years across multiple vessels from the TP52, the J/70, and most recently the Cape 31, and the different styles of racing that that entails.
"My son William just loved the last race on the VO70 so much, and with the likes of Jack, Rob, and Parko all involved, you can walk down to the boat and have in your mind that no matter the weather or what happens, it is going to be great. On the 26th of December that's a very happy space to be in. Low stress."
As for the one variable no one can do anything about? "I know we'll sail Celestial well, no matter what the conditions are, but yes, certainly the boat does a great job in a blow, and if things turn out our way, then it'll be a very, very competitive platform. I just cannot stress enough how good the boat is, and how brilliant the crew is to sail with. There are 122 boats so far, so there is bound to be competition somewhere."
Let's get busy
Haynes is such a convivial person that you just know everyone chips in that much harder, which I am sure will be elevated again as they look to go back-to-back. There is the Celestial camaraderie, which is steeped in professionalism, but never loses touch with fun.
"We've always had people that have been attracted to sail on the program because they know that there's going to be a great team, with people they can rely on, and they're going to enjoy their sailing. I think it builds a positive cycle. I'm very proud that people do want to sail with me and enjoy it. That we can get this sort of calibre of people on the boat year in, year out, and across all the boats, has been thoroughly delightful."
"The Cabbage Tree race will be the first real outing and qualifier, with time also on board once the new sails arrive. Keel rams, rig, and running rigging have all had the full once over, as well. A new boom has been installed since last year, which highlights the effort Jim Cooney has gone to."
No doubt there would have been other teams knocking at the door for Cooney's boat, so to secure it is a sign of respect for the Celestial outfit, and their drive and determination to do well. To win the Hobart, first you have to win your Division, which over time has become harder and harder, and intention is nowhere near enough to pull it off. The delivery is utterly crucial, and that can mean a hard first night at sea.
"I really don't want to end up with a problem on the boat that stops us from getting there. Rob's really focused on that as well. He'll be picking it apart and motivating the crew to keep their eye out for every single thing before we start racing. There'll be another training block before the Hobart, and then we're off," commented Haynes.
Putting it all together, and accessing personnel has been down to Campaign Manager, Jack Macartney. "It is interesting. The boat is the best part of 20 years old, and still in its original configuration. That means keel depth, overall mass, and no stored power, so the developments have been minimal, save for the new sails, and this is where any gains will be found."
"Selecting the right people for the jobs was next, which is something I really enjoy. I put a lot of time into getting the right people in the right positions where they can be the best versions of themselves and empowering them to do so. After that, it comes down to fine tuning, and making sure things are robust (and yes the VO70 is very hard on gear). After that it's about minimising mistakes and doing your best out on the track the whole down to Hobart."
Having a boat that held it together, by and large, must give a lot of encouragement for going again. "Well, that's the remarkable thing about Volvo 70s and that is why they're my favourite offshore boat. They are so dynamic, agile, powerful beasts and so much fun to go racing on. Plus, they have bigger bunks than a TP52," added Macartney with his signature broad grin.
"We'll have a slightly faster platform and a great team. It's very exciting."
Luke 'Parko' Parkinson is the other Watch Captain, and as Macartney says, "Is 2IC behind Rob." Parko's relationship with Macartney goes way back to the early 18-footer days, and then of the resurgence when Tech2 was about, Parko says, "I called myself the fourth man for a little while with that campaign." Most sailors would comment that that is one handy 'reserve' sailor to tap into.
Macartney also remembers Parko going up the rig to free a halyard lock on Ragamuffin 90 in the middle of the night in 35 knots during a Hong Kong to Vietnam race, which is oft described as a sleigh ride. "That was definitely a big test for me and it was nice having Jack there by my side for that one, for sure. Yeah. Pablo can take that role if it happens in this race," said Parkinson.
Today, Parko's CV will have all of us bowing in his presence, so just what is it that brings this Demigod into the fray? "The Hobart's always a pretty special race, and on home soil. I grew up watching the start on Boxing Day, as it was a big thing in my family. It's a hard race and I like that. The Hobart deserves the respect it has. I do like being able to test myself and I look forward to those challenges. This is why it keeps drawing me back."
"Celestial is such a strong team with very passionate people on board. They have a big level of respect across the board, where everyone sort of gives each other their space to do their jobs, but also demands such a high level of effort from you. It makes it really enjoyable. We're all such good friends and we can have a laugh, but at the end of the day, we're all so competitive, and it is this that drives the passion, which subsequently gets the most out of each other. You do not come across it all that often, so when these opportunities do come up, there's a fair bit of drive to dig in and to have a good crack."
As the First Lieutenant, Parko is clear about what he's going to do. "First and foremost, finish safely. We'll build the platform, create a fast boat, limit mistakes, and put together a good race. So, I'll have a helicopter view, and make sure the pieces of the machine and the humans are all working properly. We have to keep the boat going safely at 100% the whole time. We know we're in better shape this year, because a lot more of us know the boat a lot more, just to start with. We'll be there to capitalise on any opportunities, and it's definitely not over until you cross that finish line."
"It is not all about strong weather. I think there are opportunities across the wind range to capitalise on the boat's performance." As for tapping into some of his 11 secret herbs and spices? "There are really important moments in a race like this. When you're on a boat with a team like we have here, you're privileged enough that you can lean on them, bounce ideas, and chase the bets of human endeavour.
"You learn all these different little details that apply to a lot of different conditions, and you never stop learning, especially when you're lucky enough to get to sail with the people I have. Tapping into a reservoir of ideas is wonderful, and like Sam says, that confidence walking down the quay on Boxing Day, knowing you are properly prepared is totally priceless," said Parkinson.
Now the Hobart is known for having sectors. The classic four starts if you will. Inside the Harbour, the Heads, Tasman Island, and the Iron Pot. For me, I think there are five, with Green Cape/Gabo Island also in there. So, what parts do they like?
Haynes says, "I'm nervous that we won't make it. I probably would say that I breathe a sigh of relief maybe at the Iron Pot more than I do after we exit the Heads. I do love the start though, it's fantastic. I'm saying the Iron Pot, because I know that I'm going to make it to the finish line by then. Even if I'm going to get becalmed in there, and that's happened to me before, of course, happens to everyone doing this race. I just want to get past there so I can tick it off and say, yeah, we're home."
Macartney says, "It's probably night time. Whether that be off the New South Wales or Tassie coast, is probably where I've had the most enjoyment over the years, particularly when it's fast downwind stuff in the night. I really love that. It's on the edge. That's where races are won."
Parkinson says, "I'm going to say the graveyard shift on night one. Getting yourself ready for whatever else is to come. On the first day there's a lot going on. There's a lot of hype. There are a lot of boats around. I think that fatigue and things start settling in across the fleet, and I see there's a massive opportunity."
"It's where I really start finding the rhythm of the race and settling into what's coming and how the boat's going, finding the performance, and settling in with the whole crew. If you're all over it at that point in the race, then I think, you know, you're in for a good couple of days."
A man called Greenhalgh
When you're the Sailing Master, there is an added responsibility. Greenhalgh is the kind who takes it in his stride. Having done five laps of the planet and winning one of them on ABN Amro, you definitely know the deal, and you certainly know the VO70.
"This is exciting. This group gives everybody the freedom to do what is required. A normal Hobart probably suits the boat, and a bad Hobart is even better. We need some conditions that are suited to our boat, which is an average wind speed of 14TWS plus. We don't want it to be easy. Good thing is, we essentially have a new wardrobe, as the last one got a caning, and they weren't spring chickens to start with. The J4 exploded across Bass Strait.
"Managing tiredness remains a big factor, especially as it gets harder. I float over the watches, and it is condition dependent. It depends on which part of the race, where we are relative to others, and how intense the weather is. Making the most of quiet time is essential. Unfortunately, nobody really sleeps that much, and the first afternoon after the adrenaline dies away is always critical to master."
"One thing's for sure. When we've got to do a manoeuvre, we've got to get everybody up. Fingers crossed we get some wind," said Greenhalgh in closing.
Rags to riches
We've spoken about all throughout the piece, and North Sails are delivering five new sails soon (beginning of December). There is a 3Di RAW, three-slab ocean mainsail, then 3Di RAW J2 and J4 for working sails. Then a masthead A3 3Di Helix Downwind for reaching, and a masthead A4 NPC. This will be added to by an existing A2. Giddy Up!
"These are the latest development for the class, and stem from the ones done for Wizard," said Alby Pratt, Sales Manager, North Sails Australia.
Pratt will probably be taking a year off the Hobart, but Mark Bradford and Billy Sykes are certainly going, as too some of the younger team members of North Sails' Sydney loft.
Let's click the hammer back and pull the trigger.
As a word, intensity can often get a bad rap. The case of the people who make up Celestial is the classic counterpoint. There's a real level of calmness, but yet tangible passion almost hidden behind a smile, but only so you can see drive, enthusiasm, and dedication to task.
Case in point, Haynes would love to the Southern Cross Series - Cabbage Tree, Hobart and the Sydney-Auckland race, but time is against him. So, here's a note, someone else might want Jim Cooney's VO70 for that sector of the triumvirate. You know it will be well sorted, and definitely capable of handling the worst 'The Ditch' might decide to throw up. Just saying... Do you want to have a go?
Thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com
John Curnow
Sail-World.com AUS Editor