Is it down to the historic tougheness of this legendary offshore race that only few classics are finding their way to the startline of the 71st edition of this 628 nautical mile trek? The only ‘real’ classic (pre-70’s) currently listed in this years Sydney/Hobart race is the 1934 Olin Stephen’s design Landfall, a 44′ bermudan sloop that will be sailing in an impressive 5th edition (1952, 1954, 1976 & 2014). Last year she had to retire due to sail damage but plans to at least finish the race this year.
The other two ‘almost classics’ are the Swan 65 duo King’s Legend (1975) and Ugg Australia (1981). Again Olin Stephen’s designs they both have different rig configurations. King’s Legend is a bermudan sloop which finished second in the 1977/78 Whitbread Round the World Race with legendary navigator Skip Novak on board. They have just crossed the Pacific and are representing the Netherlands. The other, Ugg Australia is a bermudan ketch rig and will be keen to battle it out against her sister-ship.
The long-range forecast currently indicates a high pressure system steadily moving east. This will leave the first few hours with some great downwind sailing as the fleet head south paralleling the New South Wales coastline with winds potentially reaching 30 knots. But these are likely to be short-lived as the breeze rotates 360 degrees and south/south-westerlies start to build through the first night giving the fleet 25-30 knots on the nose to deal with. However, get through the first night and it looks like the breeze will ease for the remainder and the swell will be more of a challenge for the 100+ strong fleet.
Go fast Landfall…. Fair winds to one and all.
