 |
| S/y Ocean Gem, racing in Australia |
A bit more about my preparations for the Rolex Sydney
Hobart Yacht Race 2017. Less than a month left now, getting pretty excited. Can’t
help checking out the current local weather – on Sunday, there will be a S wind
blowing straight from the Antarctica, up 30-40 kn, in places up to 50 kn a bit off
Tasmanian coast. Just such winds have caused many a boat to retire from the
race in the past years. The shallower waters around Tasmania and the Bass Strait
cause waves to become very steep, and the Roaring Forties cause swells and mess
up the seas even more. With today’s weather reporting tools though, there is a
better chance to be prepared and lay out a course that will take full advantage
of the winds, and be ready for the seas.
 |
| S/y Ocean Gem, lifted out of the water |
The preparations are ongoing - click around to read more. There are a few jobs to do on
and outside of the boat, done currently by the parts of the team who are in
Brisbane. The mast and the rigging will be set up, there is stainless steel
work being completed, plumbing and electricity finished up. The boat will go
back into the water, with several jobs to be done (stowage solutions, equipment
loading etc), radio check, and finally the Cat 1 inspection, due 4/12. There is
a long list of parameters that the vessel has to comply to, in order to be able
to race. This procedure is the result of many years’ work with improving safety
of the race, in order to prevent unnecessary risks, as learned from other boat’s mistakes made in earlier races.
 |
| Work is being done on board |
A lot of work that is not boat-specific is also being done. The
race planner task document is at 200+ tasks, but new stuff is getting ticked
off every day. Everyone’s gear has to be doublechecked, medications and health
status documented, forms and disclaimers need to be filled in. The team has
been divided into watches, and everyone has received their primary and
secondary roles and responsibilities. Our matching gear set has been ordered,
with correct sizes and sponsor names. Food is being prepared, and portions
frozen beforehand. A local organic butchery sponsors us with meat, so the menu
is impressive. During the race, we will not have to cook – only heat the pre-cooked
meals, that’s great for saving energy, keeping motivation, and staying in
focus. The project management is done on a highly professional level, with
weekly Skype meetings and a detailed time/cost plan. Everything is optimized for
the race. No details are overlooked. There’s even a list of how everyone wants
their hot drinks made.
 |
| Lamb roast meals being made, to be frozen for the race |
After the Cat 1 audit, the boat sails from Brisbane to
Sydney via Lord Howe Island. A shakedown trip allows for more training
together, and to test the new gear, rigging, and other equipment. It seems a
good time to sail – despite the 4 meter swell, the winds will stay Northerly. Upon
arrival, the boat will stay in Sydney, ready for the last touch-ups.
I will arrive to Sydney on early morning of the 24/12, in
time for the race briefing. Then, I’ll get acquainted to the boat and the crew,
will spend the two days training and doing any last jobs. And finally, the race
will start on the 26/12 at 13:00 local time. It will be possible to follow the Sydney-Hobart
race through the official RSHYR website, as well as through local and global
media.
There are 110 boats competing, including a record of 31
internationals. There are different classes, but only two symbolic prizes will
be dealt out: one for the boat who is first to cross the finish line, and one for
the best time related to the boat’s handicap. The largest newest Maxis with
professional crew are the ones who cross the finish line first nowadays. We
will be racing to get the other honors. In 2009, two similar boats to Ocean
Gem (Beneteau 40's) finished 1st & 2nd on handicap, and a Beneteau 47.7
finished 9th. Ocean Gem has done quite a bit of racing. Looking to the history of the races, I see that latest this year they took
Queen Cup line honors, where Ocean Gem won the start in both races, and led each race from start to
finish, taking out the Queensland Beneteau Cup Line Honors Trophy for the
regatta for the second time in 3 years. They took the first place on handicap
the two previous years and were second on handicap this year.
When the race has been done, upon arrival to Hobart, there will be some events and
celebrative meetups. I will stay in Tasmania to do some exploration of the
island, and then head home via Sydney, or possibly Melbourne again.
Now that it’s less than 4 weeks until I am leaving for
Sydney. The time before the race will be spent working out to gain strength. Here
is an example of a calisthenics workout scheme recommended generally forsailing. I’ll be settling the last arrangements, and
getting the last of gear – I will need new sailing shoes, waterproof gloves,
and sealskins socks. Sponsors welcome! I will be needing the wet weather gear
to meet any challenge posed by air or sea. Checking the statistics of Sydney-Hobart
race weather, it seems that the only thing you can count on is rough seas,
tough winds, unexpected weather changes, and during the end of the race quite low
temperatures both day and night. So, I will have to come prepared!
For sponsorship questions, email lena@adrenalena.se - it is also possible to donate right away to Swish 1232073575
Here are some photos from Ocean Gem's previous races.
