The Sydney to Hobart race was a spectacle from start to finish. We were down on the boat by 0800 hanking on the bright orange storm sails that are part of the conditions for racing in this iconic race. It was then out into the harbour for the traditional 'Parade of Sail' where we, the twelve Clipper boats, lined up one boat length apart to parade towards the bridge and Opera House and back again. It was a bit like crossing the M25 in rush hour with boats all over trying to avoid us. It was then storm sails up to parade past the committee boat so that they could acknowledge our adequate preparation for the rigours ahead. We then nearly collided with the committee boat as we tried to weave backwards and forwards across the middle start line. Nothing like the line on Frensham Pond which is a bit like a walk in the park in comparison. It was at this point, as Cloughy our replacement skipper floored the throttle to avoid the anchor chain, that the throttle handle came adrift from the boat. Good timing - not - as we then didn't have any control of the engine from the helm. Back to traditional means of communicating as the bridge shouted instructions to an intermediary who shouted down to the engine room where two crew members controlled the throttle and power. Not an ideal start to this iconic race.
We managed to cross the start line without further ado and sail out through Sydney Heads and on towards Hobart. The winds had already picked up but once past The Heads we were able to hoist the spinnaker and head south. It was a rocky ride and most people suffered a bout of seasickness that lasted a couple of days. Later that first evening the wind switched from northeast to southeast and were yet again beating into a strengthening wind. The Southerly Buster hit with force resulting in about thirty boats having to retire from the race. Not an option for any of the Clipper fleet so we battled on. High winds, rough seas, excellent helming, many sail changes, forays onto the foredeck to drop and raise sails. A couple of days later it became calmer and as we crossed the Bass Strait for the second time we were starting to be sucked into a wind hole. We avoided it in the main and had some good racing with other boats always in our sights. It was an exciting race and we changed position many times before finishing. We eventually crossed the finish line not more than a few hours after the first boat came in.
The throttle was still not fixed so submarine like commands were relayed back down to the engine room - slow ahead, neutral, etc. Cloughy did a magnificent job in getting us safely docked in the marina before the cartons of beer started to be loaded onto the boat. Thank you!!
The waterfront here in Hobart has been a hive of activity since we arrived, culminating in a spectacular firework display in the harbour last night to celebrate New Year's Eve. There was partying on the boat until the early hours, a shopping trolley hoisted half way up the mast on one of the boats, and the theft of helium balloons from a local bar. Janice and I eventually got back to the house we are staying in at about 2am, slightly worse for wear.
We are staying in a house two doors up from her cousin in South Hobart: a real luxury as we are not having to stay on the boat. I spent most of New Year's Eve working on the boat repairing bits in preparation for the next race up to Airlie Beach, leaving Hobart early on the 2nd. Today I have had
the privilege of going to MONA (museum of old and modern art) with her family. The weather has cooled significantly and it looks like it could be quite a windy start tomorrow morning.
As usual time has run away with me and I am going to have to sign off. But .........
A very happy new year to everyone and I'll be in touch when in Airlie Beach in about 2 weeks time.
Kate xxxx
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