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Australia Wins SailGP, the Formula 1 of Yacht Racing, in Dramatic Fashion

Boat collisions, brutal winds and a whale wandering into the racecourse. in the end, the aussies won sailgp glory and the $1 million prize., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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The SailGP Final Was Held in San Francisco Harbor this weekend

SailGP, the extreme Formula One version of yacht racing, ended its second season yesterday, with the Australian team claiming the championship over teams from Japan and the USA. The final weekend of the series involved multiple collisions, challenging winds and even a whale on the racecourse that forced a restart to the championship final race.

SailGP uses 50-foot foiling F50 raceboats that can reach speeds of 61 mph. Add in the boats’ pinpoint turning abilities, athleticism of the five racers who have to leap across the boat at 55-plus mph, white-knuckle race maneuvers and crashes, and the sport has attracted gatherings of thousands of spectators during its 10-race series around the world.

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The SailGP series was set up as an alternative to the much slower sport of monohull racing, modeled after other professional franchise sports like the NFL and MLB with dedicated teams from different countries.

The SailGP Final Was Held in San Francisco Harbor this weekend

In the winner-take-all season finale, the Aussies emerged victorious over teams from Japan and the USA.  Courtesy SailGP

Despite the teams accruing points all season, last weekend’s series was a winner-take-all event.

After two days of racing, Tom Slingsby’s Australia SailGP was victorious. The lead up to the final race was defined by two dramatic collisions: Rookie Spanish driver Jordi Xammar crashed into the stern of the US team’s catamaran and tore a hole in it. That forced the US team to attempt frantic, on-water repairs before the Grand Final. In another race, the teams from France and New Zealand also collided.

“They can sail four times faster than the wind,” America’s Cup guru and SailGP founder Russell Coutts told Robb Report recently . “There’s an element of danger we’re not trying to disguise.”

The SailGP Final Was Held in San Francisco Harbor this weekend

The team from Spain crashed into the stern of the US team during the first day’s racing, prompting the Americans to perform a frantic, on-water repair for the finals.  Courtesy SailGP

In the final race, the US team took an early lead, but the race was abandoned after a whale was sighted on the course. In the restart, Australia took the lead and dominated throughout. The team claimed a $1 million prize for the season. “More important than the money is that Australia came out on top and we can call ourselves the best in the world,” said Slingsby after the race. “Money comes and goes and glory lasts forever, I know that’s a saying, but we really feel it right now.”

Jimmy Spithill, leader of the US team, was disappointed but gracious. “At the end of the day you really have to credit the Aussies. They have been the benchmark team all season and to come back and do it back to back. It’s very impressive, they deserve the win,” he said in the post-event press conference.

Part of SailGP’s mission is to promote ocean protection—hence, restarting the race when the whale appeared—and sustainability. An important, secondary contest that took place during the season was the Impact League, which measured sustainability efforts by each team, from the carbon footprint of their boats, to how they travel to events, to measuring use of plastic.

The SailGP Final Was Held in San Francisco Harbor this weekend

The US team had the lead in the final race, but a whale swam into the racecourse, forcing a restart. In the second version, the Australian team dominated.  Courtesy SailGP

New Zealand’s team claimed the Impact League title, handing over the $100,000 prize to the Live Ocean foundation. Great Britain and Australia won $35,000 and $15,000 respectively for second and third place, and donated the money to their Race to the Future partners.

Season three of SailGP will begin in Bermuda on May 14 and 15. Ten teams, including newcomers Switzerland and Canada, will take part in the third season. Events in Chicago, Plymouth, Copenhagen, Saint-Tropez, Cádiz-Andalucía, Dubai, Christchurch have been scheduled, with the final happening again in San Francisco.

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Sydney to Hobart yacht race — how to watch and what to look for

Large sailboat with other watercraft in pursuit as seen from overhead.

Since its beginning in 1945, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has become one of the pinnacles for sailing competitors, with the event being a test of skill, teamwork, nautical engineering and tactics — with weather providing the wild card.

If you know what to look for, the race can be an enjoyable experience.

Here are some tips for getting the best out of it.

The fleet leaves Sydney Harbour following the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

When does it start?

About 111 boats ranging from the supermaxis (longer than 20 metres) to smaller 30-footers (9 metres) will be ready to go at 1pm AEDT Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour.

The start is arguably one of the greatest spectacles in modern sport.

Once the starting cannon is fired, all teams will be gunning for The Heads and into the open water of the South Pacific, with competitors surrounded by all manner of craft.

Watch as boats come perilously close to the supermaxis.

The fleet then begins to make its way down the east coast of Australia to Hobart, a distance of approximately 630 nautical miles (1,166 kilometres).

Two men in rain coats sit behind a yacht steering wheel

What are they racing for?

It isn't money. Yes, you read that correctly — there is no prize money for the winners. 

Instead, they race for trophies in a number of categories , the main events for casual observers being Line Honours and Overall.

The first yacht across the line wins the JH Illingworth Trophy, but the overall winner on handicap wins the Tattersalls Cup.

The overall victory is considered the major prize for sailors and a testament to skill and tactics.

Most of the time, handicap honours are won by a smaller, slower boat, which outdoes its larger opposition when time is adjusted for size and other factors.

The reigning overall winner is Ichi Ban. It finished in 4 days, 10 hours, and 17 minutes.

This was after a protest against Celestial was upheld. Celestial was handed a 40-minute time penalty for not manning their radio for a 90-minute period, during which officials were trying to contact the team.

The reigning line honours winner is Black Jack, winning in two days, 12 hours, and 37 minutes in 2021. 

How can I watch it?

Race sponsor Rolex says the race can be watched on the Seven Network. 

7Mate will broadcast the start of the race live around Australia. Their coverage starts at 12:30pm (AEDT).

ABC TV will also provide updates throughout the event.

For those who can't watch the live broadcast of the start of the race on their TV, Seven will have a stream of the race.

You can also watch vision from the event on the Sydney to Hobart yacht race website .

1955 Sydney to Hobart race start

If you are in Sydney and on the water, spectators who wish to watch the start but not follow the fleet are advised to stick to the "western side of the harbour".

Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".

According to organisers, the harbour will be "very crowded and traffic can be chaotic, so stay alert, follow the advice of race officials and remember to keep well clear of the exclusion zone between 12pm and 2pm".

How can I follow the boats online?

You can follow the race on an online tracker , which shows the positions of yachts as they move south.

The locations of yachts are transmitted by a GPS device on each vessel. 

As the race goes on, you can see the course charted by crews — unless of course the boat's GPS device gets switched off, rendering it invisible to spectators and other competitors — an accusation that was levelled at Wild Oats XI in 2018 by the owner of Black Jack.

Sydney to Hobart yacht race tracker.

What should I look out for?

The weather forecast is for northerly winds in the harbour for Monday's start, which will favour the bigger boats. They will push hard to get out of the harbour.

Barring disaster, the Line Honours winner will almost certainly be one of the four super maxis.

LawConnect (formerly Perpetual LOYAL, formerly Investec LOYAL, formerly InfoTrack) set a new record in 2016 when it crossed the line in one day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 12 seconds, a time since bettered by Comanche the next year.

Black Jack (Formerly Alfa Romeo II) has a strong Sydney to Hobart history and is the reigning Line Honours champion. It's had a strong 2022 already, taking line, record, and overall wins in the Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race. Black Jack has a strong rivalry with Wild Oats XI as it was the first boat to break Wild Oats' race record in 2009.

Comanche takes the lead in the Sydney to Hobart on day one

Andoo Comanche is the hot favourite for line honours this year. It has already defeated Black Jack in the Sydney to Gold Coast race this year and has won the inaugural Tollgate Islands race. It beat Wild Oats for line honours in 2017, setting a race record in the process, but only after a controversial protest . 

Hamilton Island Wild Oats XI is the most famous boat in the race but has not participated since 2019 due to COVID. Veteran skipper Mark Richards will once again be at the helm and will be hoping to improve on the 3rd place finish in 2019. 

The favourites for the handicap trophy are Alive, URM Group, Moneypenny and Stefan Racing, with last year's winner, Ichi Ban, not participating.

This year there is also a number of crews made up of father-daughter or father-son teams.

Yacht at sea.

The yacht race is taken seriously for good reason — people have died when the weather has turned bad.

In 1998, six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired and 55 sailors had to be rescued by helicopter.

In 2015, a squall hit the fleet off the News South Wales coast, ending the race for 29 competitors.

A large yacht sails at night.

When does the race finish?

The lines honours winner is likely to come in around 48 hours after the start, but this is very much dependent on the weather —  especially in the 22.2-kilometre final stretch up the Derwent River.

This is when the wind can drop away and it becomes an agonisingly slow crawl , with every trick in the book pulled out to speed the progress up the glassy waterway.

In 2021, Black Jack crossed the line at 1:37am on December 29, followed by LawConnect at 4:11am and SHK Scallywag about 20 minutes after that.

In 2019, Comanche came in at a more reasonable time of 7:30am on December 28, with InfoTrack about 45 minutes later.

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SAILING - Classic Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 Cruising Yacht Club of Australia - 10/12/2023 ph. Andrea Francolini/CYCA ARCHINA

2023 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

December marks the start of a special period in Sydney, from the first blistering hot summer days to the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR) on Boxing Day. It is a month when the global sailing community collectively shifts its gaze to the playground that we call home, everyone eagerly anticipating the crowning of the team that secured the famous Tattersall Cup.

However, with constant evolving sailing technology and boat designs, it is becoming increasingly more important to remind ourselves of the heritage of yacht racing. A nod to the enduring legacy of classic yachts and their pivotal role in shaping the RSHYR has given rise to a dedicated two-day regatta. The Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta (SHCYR). This event serves as a tribute to the iconic yachts that have stamped their mark on Australia’s most iconic yacht race, and perhaps even on the global level.

As the regatta unfolds over two days of competition, seasoned yachts and their crews compete to determine which Hobart-veteran can outshine the rest. The racing arena welcomed yachts launched before 1976 that has proudly participated in a prior edition of the RSHYR in division 1, 2 & 3. With a new division specifically dedicated to the IOR Era yachts that have a launch date between 1975 and 1991 who have competed in the RSHYR.

Join as we commemorate the rich Australian racing heritage and competitive spirit that defines the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta.

Day One | 2023 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

Remember the scorching hot December days we mentioned before? Well let’s revisit day one, fondly dubbed “A Bloody Hot One.” by our competitors.

Under the intense 40-degree heat, 27 participants eagerly gathered at the start line for a pursuit start. A gentle north-easterly breeze swept through the harbour powering the classic yachts around a series of marks. The pursuit start added a great element to the race, ensuring a close and engaging competition among the fleet, much to the delight of both competitors and spectators. As the day unfolded, the undeniable charm of these timeless yachts became even more apparent.

To cap off this fantastic day on the water, teams gathered for a delightful dinner at the CYCA clubhouse, undoubtedly sharing animated stories about the past day’s racing.

Below are the day’s winners. For full results please follow this link.

Love & War – Simon Kurts (CYCA)

Nike – Sam Hunt (SASC)

DIVISION 3 (non-spinnaker)

Boongown – Eddie Vinks (BYRA)

Bacardi – Brett Avery (SYC)

Day Two | 2023 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

A contrasting start of the second day saw changed conditions for the fleet. The northerly wind and heat had been replaced by a moody sky and a 10-14 knot southerly. Afterall would it really be a regatta celebrating the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race without a Southerly front?

The racing kicked-off at midday, this day no pursuit start but rather a traditional scratch start. However, this was not the only remarkable change of the day. All 26 yachts lined-up off Cannae Point near Manly, marking a return to the roots of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, at its original starting line.

As the yachts were near completing the course the grey sky opened and was replaced by blue skies, in other words champagne sailing conditions.

Patrice II – Robert Kelly (CYCA)

Jasnar – Gordon Ingate (RSYS)

DIVISON 3 (non-spinnaker)

Valhalla – Tony Burgess (NHSC)

Crux – Carlos Aydos (MYC)

As the two days of racing drew to a close, the crews from the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta came together in the Sydney Race Village for a few quiet drinks & the Official Prizegiving. Sharing stories and more importantly their love for the sport.

The overall divisional places and bragging rights for the regatta went to:

1st – Patrice II

2nd – Wraith of Odin

3rd – Love & War

1st – Nike

2nd – Jasna

3rd – Anitra V

1st – Boongown

2nd – Fidelis

3rd – Lolita

1st – Crux

2nd – Bacardi

3rd – Wild Oats

Visit this link to have an overview of the Overall Pointscore Standings.

We would like to express a special thanks to David Champtaloup, Peter Shipway the Organizing Committee, the CYCA Sailing Office and all other helping hands that made this regatta come to life.

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CYCA Principal Sponsor

Cyca official sponsors, helly hansen, club marine, income asset management, sydney brewery, lgt crestone, the luxury collection, winnings appliances, roads and maritime services, cyca youth sailing academy sponsors and supporters, helly hansen, forecasts.global, vibe hotels, network marine, sun foundation.

2023 Australian Maxi Championship

Image by Andrea Francolini

2023 Australian Maxi Championship

2023 Australian Maxi Championship

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to announce that Raymarine will be the naming sponsor of the upcoming 2023 Australian Maxi Championship in December. This exciting partnership will bring the prestige and excellence of Raymarine together with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s long-standing commitment to sailing.

The Australian Maxi Championship is a highly anticipated event in the Australian sailing calendar, showcasing some of the most impressive and technologically advanced maxi yachts in the country and abroad.

Raymarine is a leading global brand known for its innovative marine electronics and navigation solutions. Their commitment to advancing the field of marine technology makes them an ideal partner for an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the world of sailing.

“We are proud to be the naming rights sponsor of the 2023 Raymarine Australian Maxi Championship, held at the renowned Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.” says Damien Weber, General Manager for the Raymarine brand at FLIR Maritime Asia Pty Ltd.

“This event embodies the values of innovation, excellence, and teamwork that are at the core of Raymarine’s philosophy. We look forward to an incredible Championship and to witnessing some of the most thrilling sailing action Australia has to offer.”

Commodore Arthur Lane was delighted to welcome Raymarine as the Club’s newest partner. “We look forward to working with the team at Raymarine who share our passion for racing and excellence across all facets of sailing. The Championship is an extraordinary display of the finest 60 – 100 foot boats racing over Summer and is a spectacle for sailors and public alike”.

The 2023 Raymarine Australian Maxi Championship takes place from Friday 1 December and will be conducted over four races culminating in the renowned SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 5December. The event will be available to view on live stream on  CYCATV  (YouTube) and  CYCA  Facebook

The event is endorsed by the International Maxi Association.

All images by Andrea Francolini

About Raymarine

Raymarine makes high-performance marine electronics for the recreational boating and light commercial marine markets. With a legacy of marine navigation technology spanning over 80 years, Raymarine products are renowned today for their ease-of-use, rugged design, and reliability.

Raymarine

We are continually innovating to deliver best-in-class sensors and intelligent navigation systems – making boaters’ time on the water safer and more fun. Our range of marine electronics is available through a global network of dealers and distributors. For more information, visit  www.raymarine.co m

About the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’s ‘Everest’ – the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Members and visitors to CYCA enjoy being part of an active Club in a superb location with state-of-the-art facilities & an international reputation that attracts yachts and crews from all over the world.

Nestled along the beautiful Rushcutters Bay foreshore, the Club enjoys stunning harbour views and world-class facilities, offering its 3,500+ Members and many visitors plenty of excuses to visit regularly.  cyca.co m.au

About the Australian Maxi Championship

Now in its third year, the Australian Maxi Championship is a multi-day regatta conducted over four races – incorporating a longer passage race (the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Cabbage Tree Island Race), windward/leeward races off Sydney Heads and culminates with the prestigious SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour. It is open to eligible race boats of either 60-79 feet (Mini Maxis) or 80-100 feet (Maxis). This Championship is the penultimate event before the  Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race  and is a showcase and final competition for the larger boats in its fleet.

Entries  are now open.  2023 Notice of Race

M.O.S.S Australia

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Maritimo doubling up with 2 entries in the prestigious Rolex Sydney Hobart

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Welcome to AMS & SMS

When the Australian Measurement System (AMS) was created in 1997, most racing keelboats were being designed to the IMS rule, which was rapidly declining throughout the world and particularly in Australia.

Over the years the fleet changed dramatically and most designs are now optimised to a single figure, time on time correction rating system. Designers have experimented with new designs and have found ways to optimise the designs to fit these systems. This has placed older or less optimised designs at a disadvantage.

The Australian Measurement System was updated in 2012 with the launch of AMS2 and this has been very successful in updating the mathematics to accommodate modern designs. With new technology and innovative designs, it is impossible to remove all of the inequities on a permanent basis, so the system will now be updated on a 4 year cycle in line with the issue of each new Racing Rules of Sailing.

The Sportsboat Measurement System (SMS) was introduced in 2008 and during the years has grown substantially. It is now being adopted in a number of other countries and includes many different classes that fit the definitions of a sportsboat. In the same way that AMS2 was updated, SMS has been updated during 2012.

SMS has expanded internationally and operates in a number of countries. The AMS will also be launched to international markets under the brand of Keelboat Measurement System International (KMSi).

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Live updates: New Zealand Sail Grand Prix at Lyttelton, Christchurch

Newshub's Mitch Redman gets a guided tour of NZ SailGP boat Amokura. Credits: Image - Photosport, video - AM

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4:43pm - And that's the end of the day's racing, before it even begins. The racing window has closed and Mother Nature has carried the honours.

Surely tomorrow, we'll be better prepared... such a shame for the record paying crowd, who go home without seeing any racing.

Join us again at 3pm Sunday for live updates of the revised racing scheduled.

4:33pm - Still no racing, due to "mammals on course", which is a little embarrassing. The same thing happened last year and dolphins are quite common in this area, so it wouldn't have takent much foresight to make sure they had something to do somewhere else today.

The opening race has been delayed, after a dolphin was sighted on the course. SailGP is known for its respect for the ocean and nature, so wellbeing of wildlife comes before racing.

2:57pm - Great Britain have been docked points - both from the NZ regatta and the season standings - after a training incident with Spain.

The Brits collided with the Spanish boat during the third practice race on Friday and the penalty may have ended their chances of reaching the series final at San Francisco.

"We’re licking wounds from that issue," said GBR driver Giles Scott. "It's really, really frustrating, but tomorrow's a new day - we'll come out swinging and see what the weekend's got."

The British now sit seventh overall, 11 points out of the top-three cutoff for the final.

Kia ora, good afternoon and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of NZ Sail Grand Prix at Christchurch's picturesque Lyttelton Harbour.

Last year saw the international sailing circuit visit the South Island for the first time and many of the participants described the stopover as the best of the year.

This event was scheduled for Auckland, but unavailability of suitable venues forced organisers to return to Lyttelton, which isn't a bad back-up option.

More from Newshub

The home team were pipped by Kiwi skipper Phil Robertson and his Canadian crew in 2023, but the newly branded 'Black Foils' are determined to take honours this weekend, after back-to-back success at Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Driver Peter Burling wans't at the wheel for the last regatta at Sydney, while he was on babywatch, so he'll chase a hattrick of victories at Christchurch.

Saturday's racing will consist of three fleet races, while Sunday will see two more, plus the three-boat final.

The fleet and championship standings are:

Australia - Tom Slingsby  

New Zealand - Peter Burling

Denmark - Nicholai Sehested

Spain - Diego Botin

France - Quentin Delapierre

Great Britain - Giles Scott

United States - Taylor Canfield

Canada - Phil Robertson

Germany - Erik Heil

Switzerland - Nathan Outteridge

Join us at 3pm for the first race.

TAB Odds: Australia $2.90, New Zealand $3.25, Denmark $8, France $11, Spain $11

Canada's Kiwi skipper out to spoil homecoming party again at SailGP Christchurch

The black boat isn't the only one chasing a 'home' win at the New Zealand round of SailGP this weekend.

Last year, Kiwi Phil Robertson stole the show, when he drove his Canadian team to victory on Lyttelton Harbour.

Robertson is back in the country for the first time since the famous win and his sights set on a repeat effort this weekend, but defending his title isn't the only reason to come home.  

"It's pretty hard to compete with New Zealand coffee around the world," Robertson told Newshub. 

As it turns out, that rule applies to most beverages - including the alcoholic variety.

"I definitely like the local craft breweries and get into it... but I still love a Speights," he joked.

Come Sunday, he'll hope those beers will be celebratory. Last year, he helped Canada achieve their only event win to date, spoiling the party for local hero Peter Burling and the NZ boat.

"That was up there," he reflected. "That was massive."

Not everything about being home is bright and sunny.  

"It's cold here, but the colder air brings a denser air, so you go faster," he noted.

The ever-comical Robertson has his own way of describing windy conditions at the last event in Sydney.

"You've got to bring your brown undies and buckle up, because it's going to be a wild ride," he said.

Robertson confirms those brown undies have been included in his luggage this weekend.

"I packed my brown undies, but hopefully I won't need them, because I love the speed."

That should be music to the ears of a record 22,0000 spectators who will make this weekend the world's largest ever ticketed sailing event.  

"An event like this here in Christchurch, I'm really hoping it inspires the local kids down here to get into it, because it's a wicked sport and there's so many opportunities around the world," he said.

If Robertson can go back-to-back for Canada, there would be no better example set.

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Quick Guide to the Racing Rules of Sailing

Racing Rules of Sailing

The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) govern the sport of sailing on the water.

Produced by World Sailing, the Racing Rules of Sailing are revised and published every four years. The current edition is The Racing Rules of Sailing 2017 – 2020 .

Changes may be made to the Racing Rules of Sailing during the four-year period – if this happens, these will be published as Changes and Corrections to the Racing Rules of Sailing .

Individual Member National Authorities (MNA’s) may implement their own prescriptions to these rules that apply to racing in their jurisdiction.

Australian Sailing publishes the ‘ Blue Book’ which covers the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) including Australian Sailing prescriptions. Racing Rules of Sailing including Yachting New Zealand prescriptions can be purchased from their online shop .

It’s a good idea to download or purchase a complete copy of the RRS to so you can review these in detail and have a copy on-hand for reference. To get you started, we’ve included a summary of a few of the important and common rules below:

When the Racing Rules of Sailing Apply

Generally, the Racing Rules of Sailing apply to boats that are “sailing in or near the racing area and intend to race, are racing, or have been racing” (page 14, 2017 – 2020 Racing Rules of Sailing ).

If boats that are racing meet a vessel that’s not, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea or local right-of-way rules apply instead.

Right of Way

The right of way rules are generally as follows:

  • When passing on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.
  • When on the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat shall keep clear of the leeward boat.
  • When on the same tack and not overlapped, the clear astern boat shall keep clear of the clear ahead boat.
  • When tacking, the after a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course.

Some exceptions apply which can be found in the RRS handbook.

Preventing Contact

The World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing states that a boat shall “avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible.” This applies to the keep clear boat and right-of-way boat, however the right-of-way boat can be exonerated under this rule if contact is made but no damage or injury occurs.

If there is an overlap when two boats enter the Zone, the outside boat must give the inside boat mark-room. If one boat is clear-ahead of another when entering the Zone, the clear-astern boat must then give the clear-ahead boat mark-room.

The Zone is defined as “the area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the boat nearer to it. A boat is in the zone when any part of her hull is in the zone.” (page 10, 2017 – 2020 Racing Rules of Sailing ).

Mark room does not apply to starting marks when starting.

Room at an Obstruction

A boat may hail another boat that’s on the same tack to request room to tack if she needs to make a significant course change to safely avoid an obstruction and is sailing a close-hauled course. Once a boat has hailed another, they need to give the other boat time to respond; this boat may also pass the hail on to a bot beside her, if necessary.

Rule 69 – Misconduct

Rule 69 states that a “boat owner or support person shall not commit an act of misconduct.”

Misconduct is a breach of good manners or sportsmanship, or unethical behaviour, or conduct that may bring the sport into disrepute.

Breaking rule 69 is usually deemed very serious and a competitor can have action taken against them by the protest committee. Penalties may include the issuance of a warning, disqualification from a race or series, removal from the race venue or suspension from racing for a period of time.

More Information on the Racing Rules of Sailing

The above is meant as a very quick summary of some of the rules you’ll need to know while racing. To find all of the current rules and full interpretation of the above, check out these online resources:

  • World Sailing 2017 – 2020 Racing Rules of Sailing
  • Australia Sailing Blue Book: 2017 – 2020 RRS with Australian Sailing prescriptions
  • Yachting New Zealand Prescriptions 2017 – 2020

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Ange Delerce, Julia D’amodio, Julien Bunel, Corentin Goulon, Erwan Felio, representing the Société des Régates d’Antibes have been crowned 2023 Youth Match Racing World Champions after an epic five days of racing on Sydney Harbour.

Australia’s Cole Tapper, Max Brennan, Chelsea Williams & Hamish Vass were runners up, with defending champions USA’s Jeffrey Petersen, Justin Callahan, Enzo Menditto, Daniel Pegg, Marbella Marlo secured third place.

Spectacular conditions and building sea breeze once again graced the competitors for the final day of the 2023 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). The final four teams completed the semi-final stage of the Championship up first, with Ange Delerce upsetting Team USA 3 – 0, whilst CYCA teammates, Cole Tapper & Will Sargent from Australia went 3 – 1 in the other.

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As the breeze continued to bend left towards the sea breeze, a fresh north easterly settled for the Finals Series. Joining the competitors on the water was a flurry of spectator vessels including the official spectator vessel, the Rosman Ferry donated by Noakes Group for World Championship Final. The 60+ guests onboard then witnessed one of the toughest fought Finals series.

France’ Ange Delerce nailed the opening two races of the Finals Series, continuing him undefeated record for the day to head into Race 3 with a 2 – 0 lead. However, the Australian’s, who all week have fought back, clawed their way out of another extremely difficult spot and showed their impressive skills in the Elliott 7m class used for the World Championship, to come from behind in Races 3 and 4 to level the Series and head into a winner-takes-all final race.

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After winning the start, the French led for the opening half of the race, but once again the Australian’s pounced on the first downwind run. However, a missed judged gybe, saw Tapper penalised for the manoeuvre and he passed.

On the final upwind and downwind leg the pair were never more than a boat length apart, and as they drew closer to the finish line the Australians tried to offset their penalty but the French were able to sail around and break ahead just metres from the finish line.

The CYCA Race Committee vessel, with Event Partner, Richard Feyn, representing the Mercure Hotel Sydney & Sydney Brewery was in position to fire the CYCA cannon and christen the new Youth Match Racing World Champions.

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“We are just stoked to win, it’s a dream come true for us” Ange Delerce. “Cole and the Australian team have been great competitors all week and always fight back hard, so it was awesome to come up against them in the finals, you can’t get any closer than that to finish – Sydney really turned it on for us today, it’s an amazing feeling.”

As teams gathered in the CYCA’s Rolex Sydney Village, special guest Vice President of the Australian Olympic Committee Matt Allen AM presented the Bronze medals to the United States of America team followed by CYCA Chief Executive Officer Justine Kirkjian who presented the Silver medals to the home team from Australia. CYCA Commodore Arthur Lane completed the podium presentation, with Gold medals and World Championship Perpetual Trophy for the new Youth Match Racing World Champions.

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What is Yacht Racing? (Here’s All You Need To Know)

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Have you ever watched a yacht race, with its colorful sails gliding across the water in a graceful dance? Have you ever wondered what it takes to participate in yacht racing? This article will take you through all you need to know about yacht racing, from the different types of yachts and races, to sailing clubs and regattas, technical knowledge and skills, safety, and the benefits of yacht racing.

We’ll also explore some of the most popular events and races.

So whether you’re an avid sailor or just curious about this exciting sport, you’ll find all the information you need here.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht racing is a competitive sport and recreational activity involving sailing yachts .

It is most popular in areas with strong maritime cultures, such as the UK, US and Australia.

Races typically involve a course that boats must follow, which can vary in length depending on the type of race.

Competitors often use advanced sailboat designs, and use tactics and strategy to try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to be the first to cross the finish line.

Types of Yachts Used in Racing

Yacht racing can be done with a wide variety of boats, from dinghies and keelboats to multihulls and offshore racing boats.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats with a single sail and are often used in competitive racing.

Keelboats, on the other hand, are larger and heavier boats with a fixed keel and two or more sails.

Multihulls, like the popular catamaran, are boats with two or more hulls and are designed with speed and agility in mind.

Finally, offshore racing boats are designed for long-distance racing and are typically larger and more powerful than other types of yachts.

No matter what type of yacht you choose to race, they will all have common features that make them suitable for racing.

All yachts must have a mast, sails, hull and rigging, and will usually feature a deck, compass, and navigation equipment.

Additionally, racing yachts are often fitted with safety features such as life jackets, flares, and emergency radios.

Each type of yacht has its own unique characteristics, and some are better suited for certain types of racing than others.

For example, dinghies are better suited for short-course racing, while offshore racing boats are better for long-distance racing.

Additionally, keelboats and multihulls are often used for more challenging types of racing, such as distance racing or match racing.

No matter what type of yacht you choose for racing, it is important to remember that safety should always be your first priority.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board.

Additionally, it is important to get professional instruction or join a sailing club to ensure you have the necessary skills to race safely and enjoyably.

Types of Races

yacht racing australia

Yacht racing events can take place in a wide variety of forms and formats, from long-distance ocean racing to short-course inshore racing in protected bays and estuaries.

Each type of race requires different skills and equipment, and the type of race you choose to participate in will depend on your sailing experience, budget and the type of boat you have.

Long-distance ocean racing is a popular form of yacht racing, with races often taking place over several days and often involving multiple stages.

These races often have several classes of boat competing, with each boat competing in its own class.

These races may involve sailing around a set course or route, or they may be point-to-point races, where the boats sail from one point to another.

Inshore racing is the most common form of yacht racing, with races typically taking place over a few hours or a single day.

This type of racing is often conducted in protected waters, such as bays and estuaries, and generally involves shorter course lengths than ocean racing.

Inshore races may involve multiple classes of boat, or they may be one-design classes, where all boats are the same model and size.

Multi-hull racing is another popular type of yacht racing and involves boats with two or more hulls.

These boats are generally faster and more agile than monohulls, and races are often held over a short course.

These races can be highly competitive, with teams of experienced sailors vying for position and race victory.

Offshore racing is similar to ocean racing, but often involves much longer distances and more challenging conditions.

Races may take place over several days and multiple stages, and require a high level of experience and skill.

Offshore racing boats are usually specially designed for speed and agility, and may have multiple crew members on board to help manage the boat in challenging conditions.

Sailing Clubs and Regattas

Yacht racing is a popular sport around the world, with sailing clubs and regattas held in many countries.

Sailing clubs are organizations where members can come together to race, learn, and enjoy their shared passion for the sport.

Membership in a sailing club usually includes access to the clubs facilities, equipment, and training classes.

Regattas are large-scale yacht racing events, often hosted by a sailing club.

The regatta can be organized for any type of boat, from dinghys to offshore racing boats, and the races can be held over a series of days.

The goal of the regatta is to crown the winner of the overall race, or the individual class honours.

Sailing clubs and regattas are a great way for sailors of all levels to come together and compete.

They give sailors an opportunity to hone their skills, network, and make friends with other passionate sailors.

Additionally, these events are often open to the public, so they give the general public a chance to see the amazing spectacle of yacht racing up close.

If youre looking for an exciting and fun way to get involved with sailing, look no further than your local sailing club or regatta.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

yacht racing australia

Yacht racing is a sport that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and skill.

Competitors must be familiar with the physics and dynamics of sailing, including how to read the wind and manipulate their vessel to maximize speed and maneuverability.

They must also be able to understand the principles of navigation, so they can accurately plot a course and adjust it to take advantage of the prevailing wind and current conditions.

Furthermore, competitors must be able to read the weather and use that information to their advantage in the race.

Finally, competitors need to have a good understanding of the rules of the race and how to adhere to them.

Yacht racing is a complex sport with a steep learning curve, and it requires a great deal of experience and practice to master.

Safety is a key element of yacht racing, as it involves operating large vessels in often unpredictable and hazardous conditions.

All racers must be properly equipped with the appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit.

It is also essential that all racers are familiar with the rules of the race, and have a good understanding of the safety protocols that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

All yacht racing events must be properly insured, and there are often medical personnel on standby in case of an emergency.

Before any race, all participants must sign a waiver declaring that they understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for their own safety.

Benefits of Yacht Racing

yacht racing australia

Yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and take part in a thrilling sport.

It offers numerous benefits to those that participate, from improved physical health and mental well-being to an opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Whether youre a beginner or an experienced sailor, yacht racing provides an exciting and rewarding experience.

One of the main benefits of yacht racing is its impact on physical health.

It requires a great deal of strength and endurance, as the sailors must use their arms and legs to control the boats sails and rudder.

Its also a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.

Additionally, sailing is a low-impact sport, meaning theres less risk of injury than other more strenuous activities like running or cycling.

Yacht racing also has many mental benefits.

Its a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the ocean, as well as the camaraderie and excitement of competing in a team.

Additionally, it gives sailors the opportunity to put their problem-solving skills to the test, as they must think quickly and strategize in order to succeed.

Yacht racing also requires quick decision-making, which can help to improve mental acuity and develop a more acute awareness of ones surroundings.

Finally, yacht racing is a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Races often take place in different locations around the world, meaning sailors can get a glimpse into different cultures and explore new destinations.

Additionally, yacht racing provides an opportunity to socialize with other sailors, as well as make connections in the sailing community.

Overall, yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and reap the numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

With its exciting races and stunning locations, its no wonder that yacht racing has become a popular sport around the world.

Popular Events and Races

Yacht racing is an exciting and popular sport with events and races held all over the world.

From the world-famous Americas Cup to local regattas, there are races and events of all sizes and skill levels.

The Americas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious yacht race in the world, with the first race held in 1851.

Held every 3-4 years in a different location, the Americas Cup pits the worlds best sailors against each other in a battle of boat speed, tactics and teamwork.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another major race, held annually in Australia.

The race begins in Sydney Harbour and ends in the port of Hobart, Tasmania and is known for its unpredictable and challenging conditions.

The Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Volvo Ocean Race) is a grueling nine-month, round-the-world yacht race.

This race is one of the most challenging and dangerous races in the world.

In addition to these larger races, there are many smaller local and national regattas and races that offer an opportunity for sailors of all skill levels to compete.

From small dinghy races to larger keelboat and offshore racing events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in yacht racing.

Yacht racing is a fun, competitive and rewarding sport and with so many events and races available, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Whether you are a competitive sailor or just looking to have some fun on the water, yacht racing is the perfect sport for you.

Final Thoughts

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport that is enjoyed by many around the world.

With a variety of yacht types, races and events to choose from, there is something for everyone.

To get started, it is important to have a good understanding of the technical skills and knowledge needed, as well as the safety protocols associated with the sport.

With the right preparation and dedication, yacht racing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you’re interested in taking up this exciting sport, make sure you check out your local sailing clubs and regattas to find out what’s on offer.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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  12. Yacht racing

    Yacht racing is a sailing sport involving sailing yachts and larger sailboats, as distinguished from dinghy racing, which involves open boats. ... This Australian race runs from Sydney, New South Wales to Hobart, Tasmania — a distance of over 682 nautical miles (1,263 km; 785 mi).

  13. Maritimo doubling up with 2 entries in the prestigious Rolex Sydney Hobart

    Maritimo is unique as the only luxury motor yacht builder in the world with a dedicated racing division and world championship off shore powerboat race team all in-house. The 15.85-metre yacht is a meticulously refurbished, Reichel Pugh-designed TP52 - a champion racing yacht brought to Australia from Mexico.

  14. About Us

    About Us. The Australian Radio Yachting Association (Incorporated) (ARYA) is the National Authority for Radio Sailing in Australia and is a national member of the International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA) and affiliated in Australia with Australian Sailing. Formed in 1964, the ARYA is the National Class Authority (NCA) for five radio yacht ...

  15. Maritimo's Racing division launches its new TP52 yacht

    Maritimo 11 will compete in the 52-foot grand prix racing yachts class, against 12 other contenders, including two champion internationals. The 15.85-metre yacht is a meticulously refurbished, Reichel Pugh-designed TP52 - a champion racing yacht brought to Australia from Mexico. The TP52 was originally designed for the Transpac Race from Los ...

  16. Maritimo Racing

    Maritimo 11 is a highly credentialed yacht having dominated the South East Queensland Offshore Racing series and having received line honours victory in the 2021 Brisbane to Gladstone, and a second place at Hamilton Island Race week 2022. Originally known as 'Swiftsure 2' a Schumacher 54-foot sleek racing yacht was discovered in San Francisco.

  17. Yrsa

    Yacht Racing Services Association Incorporation. When the Australian Measurement System (AMS) was created in 1997, most racing keelboats were being designed to the IMS rule, which was rapidly declining throughout the world and particularly in Australia.

  18. Live updates: New Zealand Sail Grand Prix at Lyttelton ...

    Saturday's racing will consist of three fleet races, while Sunday will see two more, plus the three-boat final. The fleet and championship standings are: Australia - Tom Slingsby

  19. Quick Guide to the Racing Rules of Sailing

    Australian Sailing publishes the 'Blue Book' which covers the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) including Australian Sailing prescriptions. Racing Rules of Sailing including Yachting New Zealand prescriptions can be purchased from their online shop.. It's a good idea to download or purchase a complete copy of the RRS to so you can review these in detail and have a copy on-hand for reference.

  20. Home

    A very successful 6 days of DF Class racing has come to an end in Western Australia. The Austin Lakes Radio Sailing Club hosted the event with support from Radio Sailing Association of Western Australia. A massive thank-you goes out to the Organisers and Volunteers, without whom the event would not have succeeded. 14 Mar 2024 01:43.

  21. 2023 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship at Cruising

    Ange Delerce, Julia D'amodio, Julien Bunel, Corentin Goulon, Erwan Felio, representing the Société des Régates d'Antibes have been crowned 2023 Youth Match Racing World Champions after an epic five days of racing on Sydney Harbour. Australia's Cole Tapper, Max Brennan, Chelsea Williams & Hamish Vass were runners up, with defending ...

  22. New Zealand wins home leg of SailGP; takes series lead as Australia crashes

    New Zealand won its home leg of the SailGP series on Sunday to take the overall series lead from Australia who collided with a mark in the first fleet race of the day and took no further part in ...

  23. Home

    Race boat owners and crews who want the best for their boats and their results come to Race Yachts for help. We provide a complete range of yacht services, including new race yacht sales, brokerage race yacht sales, project management for refits, new builds and repairs, the latest yacht products and Pro Sailing services. You can count on our 30 ...

  24. Maritimo Luxury Motor Yachts For Sale

    Crafted by hand in Australia, Maritimo is inspired by a lifelong passion for performance, build integrity and innovative design that stands the test of time. With a heritage steeped in offshore racing, engineering excellence and reliability are paramount. A fine balance of advanced hull design, generous fuel capacities and precision weight ...

  25. What is Yacht Racing? (Here's All You Need To Know)

    Yacht racing is a competitive sport and recreational activity involving sailing yachts. It is most popular in areas with strong maritime cultures, such as the UK, US and Australia. Races typically involve a course that boats must follow, which can vary in length depending on the type of race.