Sydney to Hobart Countdown Has Started!

The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an iconic Australian sporting event and one of the most aspirational trophies in yacht racing. Each year a fleet of yachts covering a large range of sizes and a number of categories take on the arduous and, in many conditions, dangerous journey from Sydney Harbour to Hobart. The race gets underway on Boxing Day, 26 December, each year and with just 100 days to go, on 17 September organisers released a statement announcing many of the entries.

The 2022 event will be the 77th time this historic race has been run, noting that in 2020 the race was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is the official race organiser and to get the countdown underway has announced the first 81 entrants. Entries are still open until October so that number is sure to increase.

Apart from attracting global interest from boaters and landlubbers, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race can inspire yacht purchases and Jade Boat Loans assists buyers achieve their dream with cheap interest rate yacht loans.

We report on the latest info from the CYCA which includes a who’s who of both Australian and international yacht racing boats and crew.

Feature Entrants

Some of the 81 boats already entered in this year’s race include:-

  • International boats: Orione (Germany), Sunrise (GB), Cassiopeia (Hungary), Poulpito and Eye Candy (New Caledonia), Warrior Won and Ocean Freeway (USA) and Caro (NZ).
  • 2021 race winner Ichi Ban, owned by Matt Allen. This Botin 52 is already a three time overall honours winner and is out to chase a fourth.
  • 2021 line honours winner, Black Jack is back! This 100’ maxi will be out to chase another win but will have to contend with the conditions and stiff competition from the other maxis in the field.
  • Other maxis – Andoo Comanche which holds the race record and will have skipper John Winning Jr at the helm; the famous Hamilton Island Wild Oats which with 9 line honours wins is well-known and has a highly respected crew; and LawConnect which was previously named Perpetual Loyal and took out line honours in 2016.
  • The short-hand category is again well-represented with 13 entries to date. For those not as familiar with sailing terminology, ‘short-handed’ means less crew, in this case there are only two on each boat. As if the challenge wasn’t enough, undertaking the race with just two crew is highly admirable. Doing just that Crux and Speedwell will be in the mix with others.
  • Second overall from last year’s race Sam Haynes’ Celestial.
  • The line honours winner from 1971, Kialoa II is back for another race.
  • The smallest entrant, so far, at just 9 metres is Maluka with skipper Peter Langman.
  • Sean Langman will be skippering Moneypenny.
  • Two time winner of the Tattersall Cup, Quest.

CYCA Commodore, Arthur Lane, expects the 2022 race to be the biggest in the last 10 years with the exception of the 2019 event which commemorated the race’s 75th anniversary. Mr Lane welcomed the many interstate and international entrants as well as many first timers.

The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race will get underway around 1pm on Monday 26 December from Sydney Harbour. Restrictions will be in place on the Harbour on the day and boaters planning to head out should check with NSW Marine Authorities for details.

Inspired?

This type of yachting event can inspire others to get into sailing. There are a number of opportunities and pathways to assist new-comers to the sport including at Discover Sailing or by joining a local club.

For those that are already experienced and possibly own their own sailing boat, the race may inspire and motivate to upgrade to a new yacht. Visiting the recent boat shows in Sanctuary Cove, Sydney, Perth and upcoming in Melbourne, can provide ideal opportunities to see many new yacht models on display.

Key to many new yacht purchases will be securing affordable finance. Jade Boat Loans assist buyers with Yacht Finance at cheaper interest rates. Our Secured Boat Loan is a versatile finance product which suits most types of sailing boats and most buyers. While the loan is general in format and structure, our approach is completely individual.

Our consultants source the cheapest rates and best loan offer which best meets the requirements of our individual customers. This includes negotiating with lenders to achieve the cheapest interest rates and structure the finance term to deliver the preferred repayment level.

With interest rates rising lately as a result of RBA decisions, buyers need to be more diligent in identifying which lenders are offering the best rates. That can be time-consuming and confusing as not all lenders do offer a specific boat loan product. We save the hassle, time and deliver yacht finance at cheaper rates to get buyers at the helm of that dream sailing boat faster.

Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 to discuss yacht finance options

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.