AUSTRALIA: SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE CATASTROPHE LATEST
English/Nat
Two sailors are dead and six others are missing after gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in the Sydney-to-Hobart race.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) began coordinating a massive sea and air rescue after yachts started to report major problems in the Sydney-to-Hobart race.
More than forty yachts are stranded in the Bass Strait between the Australian mainland and Tasmania.
The 630-nautical mile Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race was hit by gale-force winds of up to 80 knots on Sunday.
They turned the blue water classic into a battle for survival.
Two Australian yachtsmen have been confirmed dead.
The two dead - Australians Bruce Guy, and first-time race participant Phil Skeggs - were found on the 40-foot vessel Business Post Naiad, about 60 miles off the New South Wales town of Merimbula.
Guy, the yacht's owner-skipper, suffered a heart attack during one of the two occasions the yacht rolled, while Skeggs drowned when he was unable to free himself from a safety harness.
Their bodies were left on board the boat but attempts were being made to recover them as soon as possible, rescue officials said.
Rescuers workers winched survivors to safety in appalling conditions, with the winds whipping up massive swells.
About 56 sailors have been airlifted and taken to safety from their disabled boats.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
Sixty foot waves. 50 knot winds. It was very difficult and it hasn't calmed down yet at all.
SUPER CAPTION: Peter Davidson, Paramedic
For the sailors, the storm was a nightmare.
The survivors were flown to hospitals on the Australian coast, shocked and injured but glad to be on dry land.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
It's getting a little bit hairy out here so we turned around to come back and that's when we were struck by one of these 30 odd metre waves. It flipped the boat sidewards s and just kept tumbling us over and we got stuck upside down for about a minute and a half or so and we were sitting in there waiting for it to arrive.
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop
Yachts without masts and broken rigging have left a trail of debris along the New South Wales coastline.
The navy frigate H-M-A-S Newcastle was also involved in the air sea rescue as it prepared to pick up the five-man crew of Solo Globe.
There are grave fears for British sailor Glyn Charles who was washed off the Sword of Orion and is presumed drowned.
Charles sailed in four Admiral's Cups and represented Britain in the Star Class at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when he finished 11th.
The Winston Churchill, built in 1942 and the oldest boat in the race, was abandoned by its crew on Sunday afternoon after being swamped by a huge wave whipped up by gale-force winds.
Four crew members were rescued from another life raft early on Monday morning.
While two crew members of the Winston Churchill were winched from a life raft and taken to Merimbula, the remaining three crew members were tossed out of the life raft and are still lost at sea.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority alerted all shipping in the Bass Strait as high winds and huge seas smashed into the remnants of the 115-boat fleet.
Helicopters fitted with night vision and heat-seeking equipment are being used to aid the rescue.
Despite the disaster, the American maxi Sayonara is narrowly ahead of last year's winner, Brindabella as the race continues.
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2017 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Tasmania, Hobart yachts, Constitution dock Hobart,
We had a wander around the Hobart waterfront where most of the Sydney Hobart racing yachts, well the bigger ones had arrived and parked and what a sight that was. None of the Melbourne Hobart yachts had arrived at this stage so no pictures of them. We than wandered around the docks to the Taste of Tasmania food festival..WOW.. what a great set up and plenty of seating room now the Taste has extended out onto Salamanca Place. Several music stages had all types of live music happening all very exciting, Well done Hobart..
AUSTRALIA: 51ST SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE
English/Nat
The American maxi yacht Sayonara, owned and skippered by American computer billionaire Larry Ellison, has won the 51st Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
The bluewater classic began in Sydney Harbour on Tuesday and ended at Hobart's Constitution Dock on Friday, a journey of 630 nautical miles (1,165 kilometres) along the east coast of Australia.
Sayonara clocked three days, 53 minutes and 35 seconds, falling well short of the record set by American Jim Kilroy in 1975. His record still stands at two days, 14 hours, 36 minutes and 56 seconds.
Along the Derwent river to Hobart dock - the crew of the Sayonara reach land.
The yacht arrived back in Hobart's Constitution Dock shortly before 2 pm. (0300GMT)
On shore, hundreds of spectators waited to greet the winners.
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, seen on deck as the boat reached the harbour, was still able to be a part of the winning crew, despite a finger injury that required minor plastic surgery.
He cut his right index finger while racing on board the Sayonara in Sydney harbour last week.
The Bruce Farr-designed Sayonara was on target for the record for the first 24 hours, but light winds stopped it moving at any speed.
The maxi only advanced 25 nautical miles in eight hours, dashing any hopes of breaking the record.
Race sponsors Telstra had said it would pay a bonus of 250-thousand Australian dollars (US dollars 187,500) if the record was broken.
Ellison described the race as the most terrifying and frustrating of his career.
He said crossing the turbulent Bass Strait when winds gusted up to 45 knots was the terrifying part, while the light winds made it most frustrating.
SOUNDBITE:
It's a fantastic boat and I think that Jeff and Bruce Farr have to take a tremendous amount of credit for how well we did. The crew was great, the boat was absolutely fabulous. I think we learnt what we wanted to learn from the big boat challenge. We raced against Brindabella and the other big boats that were in this race. We saw them up close and I think we did well in all points of sail.
SUPER CAPTION: Larry Ellison - owner and skipper of Sayonara
An Australian yacht came second - the maxi Brindabella - crossed the line two hours behind Sayonara with Foxtel Amazon on schedule to finish third.
SOUNDBITE:
That was probably the easiest race we have ever done, very good the weather. We had a bit of a problem second day, we dropped our mainsail, we dropped our halliard three times. We had the main down for about three hours so that put us back a bit. Other than that we were beaten by a better boat and crew unfortunately.
SUPER CAPTION: David Adams - Brindabella
At least four boats withdrew from the gruelling race.
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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019 - Preview
Over the past three-quarters of a century, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has developed a rich heritage and a revered status as one of the world’s toughest ocean racing contests. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the race has started from Sydney Harbour on 26 December each and every year since the very first in 1944. Rolex’s partnership with the 628 nautical mile offshore race began in 2002 as part of the company’s six-decade-long involvement in yachting. The event encapsulates a continuous quest for excellence and willingness to push the boundaries of human endeavour and achievement. 2019 marks the 75th edition with around 170 yachts entered. Discover more
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP series, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
#Rolex #RolexSydneyHobart #Perpetual
Comanche poised to take line honours in Sydney Hobart race
Comanche has stormed to the front of the pack in the Sydney Hobart yacht race overnight.
The 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart line-honours finish
The 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, run by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, is the historic 75th race!
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019 – 26 December – 75th anniversary edition is underway
First held in 1945, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the world’s great ocean races. Since 2002, the 628-nautical mile offshore challenge has formed a significant part of Rolex’s relationship with yachting which dates back more than 60 years. The 157 crews participating this year will all draw upon the same reserves of excellence and determination that have characterized those who have gone before them. The 26 December race start from Sydney Harbour is a fixture both respected and anticipated the world over. The 75th running of this epic sporting moment matched the immense reputation of the race, rewarding the crowds gathered on the land and water with a tremendous and memorable spectacle.
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP global championship, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
#Rolex #WorldofYachting #Perpetual
2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Line-Honours finish
It was a thrilling battle for first-to-the-line honours in the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart!
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart was the historic 75th Sydney Hobart... and what a memorable race it was!
The deadly Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (1998) | Four Corners
To mark the 20th anniversary of the deadly 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Four Corners unearthed this archive episode investigating what happened in that fateful event.
Six sailors died and five boats were lost when a terrifying storm hit Bass Strait during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Look back at this investigation by Debbie Whitmont for Four Corners, that retraces the horrific events that unfolded why it was so unexpected.
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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019 - Preview
Over the past three-quarters of a century, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has developed a rich heritage and a revered status as one of the world’s toughest ocean racing contests. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the race has started from Sydney Harbour on 26 December each and every year since the very first in 1944. Rolex’s partnership with the 628 nautical mile offshore race began in 2002 as part of the company’s six-decade-long involvement in yachting. The event encapsulates a continuous quest for excellence and willingness to push the boundaries of human endeavour and achievement. 2019 marks the 75th edition with around 160 yachts entered.
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP global championship, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
#Rolex #WorldofYachting #Perpetual
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2018 - Preview
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the most famous yacht races in the world. Starting each year on 26 December, it is an examination of the preparedness and resilience of man and machine. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the 628 nautical mile offshore race stretches physical and mental resources to their limits. The overall winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart receives the Tattersall Cup together with a coveted Rolex timepiece, the recognised reward for excellence and a deserved prize for those that overcome not just their opponents, but nature too. 2018 marks the 74rd edition with over 90 yachts entered, including 13 from overseas.
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019 – 28 December – Line Honours
For a second time in three years, Jim Cooney and the crew of the 30.5-metre (100-foot) Maxi yacht Comanche have secured the Line Honours trophy at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. After an intense battle, eventually resolved during the final night, a precision-led move to sail well east of the rhumb line in the Bass Strait placed Comanche in a commanding lead ahead of the last leg up the notoriously fickle Derwent River. Comanche missed out on bettering her own race record, set in 2017, by some six hours, but by finishing the 628nm course in one day, 18 hours, 30 minutes, successfully held off four similar-sized rivals. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the preeminent offshore races. With challenging wind conditions along the eastern seaboard of Tasmania, those still racing must exhibit all the skill and perseverance that have characterized this legendary race since it was first held in 1945. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race has been partnered by Rolex since 2002 and, with line honours now resolved, the attention turns to who will secure the overall win on handicap in the 75th edition.
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP global championship, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
#Rolex #WorldofYachting #Perpetual
Sydney - Race To Tasmania Aka Hobart Yacht Race (1962)
Title reads: Race to Tasmania.
Sydney, Australia.
Hobart Yacht Race. Various shots yachts in Sydney harbour. M/S deck of yachts, pan up to show men at work on the sails. L/S sail being hoisted on yachts. L/S VIPs on a boat, waiting to watch the start. G/V the start of the race.
Various shots mass of yachts in harbour with Astor leading. L/S Astor. C/U bow as it sweeps up and down in heavy seas. Panning shot yachts coming through Sydney harbour. L/S small yacht among the pack. Panning shot two crew members of yacht the Winston Churchill working to unfurl sail, pan up to show the sails.
L/S yacht Solo coming towards camera and into very big wave. L/S Solo breaking over the waves. Panning L/S as Solo comes through the heads. G/V as the yacht heads to the open sea. G/V from beach showing the mass of yachts out at sea.
FILM ID:1707.1
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Waterspout hits Sydney to Hobart yacht race
(27 Dec 2001)
Off east coast of Australia - 27 December 2001
1. Various of twister in front of Nicorette yacht
2. Nicorette crew below decks
3. Wide shot Nicorette yacht battling through high seas
4. Zoom in on twister from coast
STORYLINE:
A big twister struck the Sydney to Hobart yacht race late on Wednesday, nearly knocking out favourites the Nicorette team.
Disaster struck the Swedish maxi yacht off the east coast of Australia, tearing its mainsail and nearly carrying away skipper Ludde Ingvall.
He described the experience as surreal.
Seasoned sailor Ingvall said he'd seen twisters before but had always managed to avoid them.
But this one followed the boat and they had no choice but to go through the middle of it.
Nicorette managed to get back on track by Thursday, closing the gap on race leader and Volvo around-the-world entrant Illbruck of Germany.
The encounter with the twister had forced Nicorette to drop back into 15th place overnight.
Skipper Ludde Ingvall said the 80-foot maxi was now in about sixth position and making up ground with the use of its backup mainsail.
Nicorette last year recorded the second fastest line-honours victory in the 57-year history of the 630-nautical-mile Sydney to Hobart race.
The race record of 1 day, 19 hours, 48 minutes and 2 seconds was set in 1999 by Danish 60-footer Nokia.
Earlier Thursday, eight of the 75 starters had retired after a night of thunderstorm activity and southwesterly winds of up to 30 knots.
Boats contesting the Volvo Ocean Race filled the top positions.
They are en route to Auckland, New Zealand on the third leg of the around-the-world race, with a stop in Hobart.
Illbruck is the overall race leader after winning the first two legs.
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Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race Begins (1966)
Sydney, Australia.
Title reads 'Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race'.
Aerial views of the yachts in Sydney Harbour waiting for the start of the Sydney - Hobart yacht race. Various shots of the yachts heading out towards and past Sydney Harbour Heads. Little craft accompany the yachts for the first part of the race. The field includes yachts from Australia, New Zealand and America.
(Comb. F.G)
Date found in the old record - 01/01/1967.
FILM ID:3166.09
A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT'S FULL OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES, FASCINATING INTERVIEWS, AND CLASSIC MOVIES.
FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT
British Pathé also represents the Reuters historical collection, which includes more than 136,000 items from the news agencies Gaumont Graphic (1910-1932), Empire News Bulletin (1926-1930), British Paramount (1931-1957), and Gaumont British (1934-1959), as well as Visnews content from 1957 to the end of 1984. All footage can be viewed on the British Pathé website.
ALIVE Boat Tour - Rolex Sydney Hobart 2019
You're invited onboard the 2018 Tattersall Cup-winning yacht Alive who are back to take on the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in its 75th year.
Will she go back to back?
Comanche claims line honours in 75th Sydney Hobart yacht race
Supermaxi Comanche has claimed line honours in the 75 annual Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019 - Live Broadcast replay
Sydney to Hobart yachts 2019 passing South Arm
Sydney to Hobart yachts passing the block.
Missed the line honours winner (Comanche) by one hour, but managed to catch InfoTrack, Black Jack, Wild Oats XI and Scallywag.
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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, 1998
An unusually strong low pressure depression developed which resulted in mid-summer snow across parts of south-east Australia. The weather system built into an exceptionally strong storm with winds reaching up to 70 knots, similar in strength to a lower-category hurricane. The rising storm produced an enormous waterspout perilously close to one yacht, ultimately causing the sinking of five boats and the deaths of six sailors. Additionally a record 66 yachts retired from the race, and 55 other sailors had to be airlifted from their yachts by rescue helicopter. Overall, the rescue efforts involved 35 military and civilian aircraft and 27 Royal Australian Navy vessels, and proved to be Australia's largest ever peacetime rescue operation.