hunter 100 yacht race

• --> December 02, 2022

Hunter 100 - Our Bluewater Classic

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Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Hunter 100 – a Bluewater Classic

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club will introduce a new overnight race to the offshore circuit later this year – the Hunter 100!

The 100 nautical mile race offers crews the opportunity to experience Bluewater sailing at its best with almost 24hrs of exploration along the hunter coastline between the Central Coast and Port Stephens Marine Park.

The club’s CEO Paul O’Rourke states that  “the Hunter 100 presents an opportunity for crews to get some practice in before Hobart. It’s offshore, it’s overnight, and it will involve some planning and navigating in order to remain safe and competitive in this fleet.”

Paul continues  “Entries opened today and we’re anticipating a full range of entrants from 30ft Catalinas and Hanse cruisers through to Mick Martin’s TP52 Frantic.”

The race will start in Newcastle Harbour at 6:30pm on Friday, 2nd December and competitors are expected to finish throughout the following day.

Starting at Newcastle, the race will commence with a quick dash south to Bird Island after work on Friday night before turning north up to Cabbage Tree Island at Port Stephens and then returning to Newcastle to finish.

Bird Island is a protected nature reserve visible from Norah Head lighthouse on the Central Coast. The island reaches a height of around twenty meters above sea level and is a breeding hub for some twenty species of birds.

Cabbage Tree Island is a rugged island, about a kilometre long and over a hundred meters tall located just off the entrance to Port Stephens. The island is part of the Port Stephens and Great Lakes Marine Park and is understood to be one of the only remaining breeding sites for the Gould’s petrel seabird.

Robert Logan is an active member of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and owns a cruising Catalina 355. Rob explains that  “this is the kind of race that appeals to cruising yachts like us. It’s just the right length that ensures we’ll get to experience a night at sea and be home for dinner the next day.”

Club Commodore Steve Rae welcomes visitors to join the new event, particularly from Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie, where “competitors can participate in an overnight race to Cabbage Tree Island without needing to travel to Sydney to do so. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club members are looking forward to meeting the CYCA Bluewater Pointscore fleet somewhere off the Central Coast where both fleets will then proceed north together.”

The race leaders are expected to finish on Saturday morning while the cruisers may finish later in the day around sunset.

In preparing to race at night, Sailing Manager Jack Buchan suggests that  “preparation plays a major role in any offshore endeavour – especially when sailing after dark.”  He goes on to suggest  “Crews will benefit from scheduling a short training session one night to build awareness of the different challenges of sailing and navigating at night safely.”

The organisational team at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club brings a wealth of experience and capable race management personnel and combines it with the support of Asahi as the major sponsor to deliver the Hunter 100 – a Bluewater Classic.

The club will also host a ‘Sailing at Night’ masterclass from 6:00pm Monday 10 th  October to help crews and yacht owners prepare for their first overnight race.

Click here for online entry and race documents

Photos by Jack Buchan, NCYC

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Hunter 100 Trophy at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

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New and familiar faces from the Hunter taking on Sydney to Hobart

A 67-year-old Newcastle owner-skipper making his debut and two familiar boats back after a break will be among the Hunter contingent tackling the Sydney to Hobart this year.

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Six boats from Hunter clubs are set to take on the 630-nautical mile race on Boxing Day.

Among them is Verite, a J99 out of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) that debutant Paul Beath will race two-handed with Richard Hooper.

Beath, a retiree, is an experienced dinghy sailor but has branched into yacht racing over the past three years. He bought Verite about a year ago with a view to competing in the Sydney to Hobart.

He took second place on handicap in last weekend's Hunter 100, a race starting and finishing in Newcastle which took in Bird and Cabbage Tree Islands.

NCYC chief executive Paul O'Rourke tipped Verite to do well in the two-handed division.

"They will be very competitive, they will have a fair crack at it," O'Rourke said.

"They race at the club regularly and the boat is a good boat. It will rate well and they are quite a good chance in their division."

O'Rourke will again race Mako, a yacht he part-owns and skippers. The Sydney 40 design was second in the PHS division last year and 49 th on line honours.

He said his crew will this year feature debutants Ethan Ortlipp and Simon Glover.

Hasta La Vista, sailed by Lake Macquarie's Richard Grimes and his family, are also back after success last year. They were second among the Sydney 38 yachts in 2022 but return this year in the two-handed category.

Race regulars Frantic and She's The Culprit are back after an absence.

Mick Martin's TP52 Donovan, Frantic, will compete in the race for the first time since 2019.

The NCYC boat won the Hunter 100 on line honours, IRC handicap and PHS and also claimed the inaugural 1250-nautical mile Sydney to Auckland in October on handicap.

She's The Culprit, an Inglis/Jones 39 part-owned and skippered by Glen Picasso out of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie clubs, is a regular contender in its division but missed the race last year.

Rounding out the Hunter contingent is newcomer Millennium Falcon, Sparkman and Stephens 39 design owned and skippered by Lake Macquarie Yacht Club's Robert Griffits, who is an ophthalmologist in Warners Bay.

Joe De Kock's KD4 and Andrew Miller's Uprising Brightside Marine, both from NCYC, competed in the two-handed division last year but are not returning.

Craig Kerry

Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.

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THE HUNTER FORMULA ONE ASSOCIATION

Home of the Hunter Formula One

Also on FaceBook. (Hunter Formula One) Join up and chat to other HUNTER F1 enthusiasts.

2023 HUNTER F1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Provisional dates and info for 2023

Come and join us on the 7th 8th and 9th july 2023.

Hunter Formula 1 

At Rutland Sailing Club

 7th 8th & 9th July 2022

RSC Flag Officer

Commodore: Nick Neve

Class Representative

Nick Verdino Formula 1 Class

General Information

Car & Trailer Parking

Free Parking is situated on the hard standing area adjacent to the road within Rutland Sailing Club.

Trailer Parking is available in the same area next to the road towards West Creek.

Berthing for the duration of the Regatta will be available on Rutland Sailing Club swinging moorings in West Creek. Rutland Cruiser Ferry will take sailors to their boats before racing and stops running at 17:00 hrs

Club Office

Inside Rutland Sailing Club and open Thursday onwards from 09.00 hrs until 17.00 hrs. The results will be processed and displayed on the Club Notice Board upstairs in the wet bar.

Social Events 

Friday.    7th July       Pims party after racing courtesy of the F1 Class Association.

Saturday 8th July     BBQ after racing.

Sunday. 9th July     Prize Giving ASAP after racing.

HUNTER FORMULA ONE NATIONALS 2021 THE RESULTS

THE 2021 HUNTER FORMULA ONE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

TEAM WILCE on EVOLUTION

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Yachting Monthly

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Kirsten Neuschafer wins 2022 Golden Globe Race and makes history

• Katy Stickland
• April 27, 2023

Kirsten Neuschafer has become the first woman to win a solo, round the world yacht race after winning the 2022 Golden Globe Race

Kirsten Neuschafer made it very clear from the start that she was aiming to win the 2022 Golden Globe Race . And now the South African skipper has achieved her goal, and made history in the process.

After just over 235 days at sea, the sailor crossed the finish line off Les Sables d’Olonne in France at 9pm CEST on 27 April 2023 and became the first woman to win a solo, round the world yacht race.

After a painfully slow final few miles as she ghosted towards the finish, Neuschafer actually crossed the finish line around 10 hours behind competitor, Simon Curwen, but a previous stop for repairs for the British sailor had already relegated him to the Chichester class (for those who make a single landfall).

No wind, meant it took hours for Kirsten Neuschafer to sail the Minnehaha over the finish line. Credit: Katy Stickland

Second-time Golden Globe Race competitor, Abhilash Tomy will be the next boat across the finish line, lying some 100nm astern of Neuschafer. That these three will finish within the space of a couple of days after 235 days at sea speaks to the high level of competition between these front runners.

Tired but jubilant, the focussed 39-year-old, who throughout much of the race had no idea she was leading, celebrated a hard-fought victory. Her Cape George 36 cutter, Minnehaha was then towed up the channel to the pontoon as thousands of people cheered and applauded her incredible achievement.

Among them were 2022 Golden Globe Race skippers Ian Herbert-Jones, who had just arrived from Cape Town, having been rescued from his dismasted boat just weeks before, and French sailor Damien Guillou , whose race ended after windvane steering failure on approach to Cape Town.

‘I feel very emotional and honoured,’ said Neuschafer after finishing the race. ‘I am never going to forget the welcome. I want to thank my fellow skippers as without them, there would have been no race. Simon was very difficult as he was always in front of me and I knew Abhilash was close, and this encouraged me to navigate as quickly as possible.’

Kirsten Neuschafer – the winner of the 2022 Golden Globe Race and the first woman to win a solo round the world yacht race. Credit: Katy Stickland

1997 Vendée Globe veteran Catherine Chabaud, the first female sailor to race solo non stop around the world without assistance, and the winner of the 2018 Golden Globe Race, Jean-Luc van den Heede, were there to greet Neuschafer as she stepped off her boat after nearly 8 months at sea.

Her official finishing time was 233 days, 20 hours, 43 minutes and 47 seconds. This takes into account the 35 hour time compensation and 30 litre fuel allowance given to her following her role in the rescue of fellow race skipper, Tapio Lehtinen,

Neuschafer said she was driven to keep going, even in calms and the doldrums on the way up the Atlantic, where she regularly went swimming to deal with the frustration.

‘I never thought I would give up; there was no reason to think this as I had full confidence in the boat. I never doubted I would get to the finish line.’

Catherine Chabaud, the first female sailor to race solo non stop around the world without assistance was there to greet Kirsten Neuschafter on. her arrival. Credit: Katy Stickland

Throughout the 2022 Golden Globe Race , Kirsten Neuschafer has fought to be at the front of the fleet, her ambition to win driving her more than many of the other entrants.

She deliberately chose a boat that she believed could win the race and survive the Southern Ocean.

Speaking to Yachting Monthly from Prince Edward Island, where she was refitting the boat, she said: ‘From the outset it wasn’t a question of taking any boat that was available and in my price range; it was to choose a boat that I believe can win and can survive the Southern Ocean , and then get that boat at any cost, no matter how much work.’

Kirsten Neuschafer in the lead, in early March 2023. Credit: Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR 2022

Her choice of the Cape George 36 paid off. Minnehaha has the longest LWL in the fleet, and with a generous cutter rigged 806sq ft sail plan, the boat achieved slightly higher speeds than her counterparts.

As a result, she holds the 2022 Golden Globe Race records for the best 4 hour speed average (9.80 knots), best 24 hour distance (218.9nm) and best 7 day distance (1,216.2nm).

The boat’s performance was evident after her average start in the race, but she constantly pushed, choosing to hand steer the boat rather than just rely on her Hydrovane windvane steering to make up for lost ground. Her disappointment coming 6th through the first race gate at Lanzarote was evident, but her motivation was stronger.

Kirsten Neuschafer prepared Minnehaha on Prince Edward Island. Credit: Patricia Richard

Having exited the Bay of Biscay in 10th place, she was soon climbing the leader board. Coming down the Atlantic, she chose a more coastal route to keep the island of Trinidade to port; a strategy to make the most of the current and receive weather information via her weather fax so she could identify the location of the South Atlantic High.

She took the longer, southern route with a more comfortable point of sail to reach the race’s second gate at Cape Town; a strategy that paid off when she was second through the gate behind the then race leader Simon Curwen .

Article continues below…

Kirsten Neuschafer: Golden Globe Race 2022 skipper

Kirsten Neuschafer has plenty of Southern Ocean experience, which she hopes will be an advantage as she takes part in…

Golden Globe Race: Kirsten Neuschafer: ‘I’ll give it my best shot but I’m pretty disillusioned’

Third place Golden Globe Race skipper Kirsten Neuschafer has been left frustrated by the lack of wind, which has also…

By this time, Curwen was extending his lead as he began crossing the Indian Ocean. Days after leaving Cape Town, Kirsten Neuschafer diverted from her race route to rescue fellow entrant Tapio Lehtinen, after his Gaia 36, Asteria sank around 450 miles south east of South Africa.

At the time, Neuschafer was 105 miles from Lehtinen’s position; she hand steered through the night, posting speeds of 7 knots to reach him the following morning. Once safely onboard, they waited for the arrival of the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier Darya Gayatri , which would take Lehtinen to port.

Kirsten Neuschafer and Tapio Lehtinen share rum after the rescue of the Finnish skipper from his liferaft. Credit: Kirsten Nesuchafer/GGR 2022

Neuschafer was awarded a 35 hour time compensation and a 30 litre fuel allowance by the Golden Globe Race organisers.

Back in race mode, she pushed hard across the Indian Ocean, gaining 500 miles on Curwen and arrived just 29.5 hours behind him in Hobart. She briefly took first place when passing through Tasmania but then became trapped in no wind zones around New Zealand for several days.

This allowed Curwen to extend his lead by 900 miles; by this time, he was also sailing in a different weather system to Neuschafer and her nearest rival, Abhilash Tomy .

Neuschafer and Tomy swapped second and third place positions across the South Pacific, Neuschafer often frustrated by the calms, and her inability to find the better wind, which was often in the race’s Pacific exclusion zone.

She dived for 8 hours to remove the barnacles from the boat’s hull to improve her speed.

Kirsten Neuschafer/ rounded Cape Horn on Day 164 of the race. Credit: Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR 2022

Curwen, who had a 1,200 mile lead, then reported the failure of his Hydrovane self-steering gear , which forced him to make a 1,000 mile detour to Chile to make repairs; this also put him in the Chichester Class for entrants who make one stop.

This meant both Neuschafer and Tomy were back in the race for first place.

After 150 days of racing, Neuschafer took the lead and was the first to round Cape Horn on 15 February 2023.

But her routing decision up the Atlantic allowed Tomy to make gains in his Rustler 36, Bayanat , despite battling problems with his Wind Pilot windvane steering, his rig, rigging, and having to hand-stitch his mainsail after it ripped in two.

Kirsten Neuschafer took a more easterly route up the Atlantic. Credit: Kirsten Neuschäfer/GGR2022

Unlike Tomy, who stayed close to the rhumb line, Kirsten Neuschafer, who was sailing more conservatively due to a bend in Minehaha’s bowsprit, decided to take a more easterly route.

At the time she said: ‘I read up in  Ocean Passages for the World what is the best route for this time of year and the route is to pass 80 miles south of the Falklands and make for a point to the east of 35°S and 30°W at this time of year, and this is what I’ve been doing. I don’t know if it was a good idea to follow the suggestions or not.’

Doubting her easterly route, she took a more northerly route; it was a decision which would prove incredibly frustrating for Kirsten Neuschafer, who sailed through more light winds than any other 2022 Golden Globe Race sailor while sailing up the Atlantic, and meant she crossed a very wide doldrums.

This allowed both Tomy and Curwen to make gains on her position before Curwen in his Biscay 36, Clara , took the lead and become the first of the 2022 Golden Globe Race fleet to cross the finish line.

Positions of the Golden Globe Race 2022 skippers on 27 April 2022 at 2100 CEST

Kirsten Neuschafer, (South Africa), Cape George 36 cutter, Minnehaha – FINISHED 1st Abhilash Tomy , (India), Rustler 36, Bayanat – 100nm to the finish Michael Guggenberger , (Austria), Biscay 36, Nuri – 1800nm to the finish

Chichester Class:

Simon Curwen , (UK), Biscay 36, Clara – FINISHED 1st (Chichester Class) Jeremy Bagshaw , (South Africa), OE32, Olleanna – 2600nm to the finish

Edward Walentynowicz , (Canada), Rustler 36, Noah’s Jest Guy deBoer , (USA), Tashiba 36, Spirit Mark Sinclair (Australia), Lello 34, Coconut Pat Lawless , (Ireland), Saltram Saga 36 , Green Rebel Damien Guillou , (France), Rustler 36, PRB Ertan Beskardes , (UK), Rustler 36, Lazy Otter Tapio Lehtinen , (Finland), Gaia 36, Asteria Arnaud Gaist , (France), Barbican 33 Mk 2, Hermes Phoning Elliot Smith ,  (USA), Gale Force 34, Second Wind Guy Waites (UK), Tradewind 35, Sagarmatha Ian Herbert-Jones (UK), Tradewind 35, Puffin

Enjoyed reading Kirsten Neuschafer wins 2022 Golden Globe Race and makes history?

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Hunter Owners on the Race Course

• Thread starter Bill19233
• Start date Apr 23, 2018
• Forums for All Owners

DayDreamer41

So how did yo end up? Nice VID looks like a challenging day out there  

Simon Sexton

I wish I had been there! I've been too busy restoring a little project at home recently, though, and its keeping me away from the bay!  

DayDreamer41 said: So how did yo end up? Nice VID looks like a challenging day out there Click to expand

@Bill19233 i wanna come and sail a race with you...  

Jackdaw said: @Bill19233 i wanna come and sail a race with you... Click to expand

Nice video. Congrats on the results... Way cool. Even better you have the local TV folk as PR for sailing. Got to get them out there on the Bay.  

jssailem said: Nice video. Congrats on the results... Way cool. Even better you have the local TV folk as PR for sailing. Got to get them out there on the Bay. Click to expand

Some day you got it and somedays you should stay at home watching the tele. Trouble is you never know till you give it a try. So keep playing on the water.  

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Endurance Hunter 100

900 e. main st., blue ridge , ga • 100 miler, 100k.

This race will not return in 2024 due to increased costs at the Fort Mountain State Park, so we will be taking the next year to design a new course not using the park. Thanks for all the support, and we hope to see everyone back in 2025.

Race from Blue Ridge, GA to Chatsworth, GA!

THE ONLY 100 MILER THAT PROVIDES GPS TRACKERS FOR ALL RUNNERS! NEW 40 HOUR CUT-OFF! The 3rd Annual Endurance Hunter 100 mile Trail Run will start in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, GA, and finish in Chatsworth, GA. World Record Holder Hunter Leininger (endurancehunter.com) has designed a challenging course through the Cohutta Mountains of North Georgia. Running on the challenging Benton MacKaye Trail, Pinhoti Trail, and the Fort Mountain Trail system through some of the most beautiful sections of North Georgia. Brought to you by ARGEORGIA.COM, Fort Mountain State Park, and Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. This is not just a race; it is an unforgettable event! The best time of the year in Georgia with temps in the 60's with Spring in full swing. Fully supported race with 9 stocked aid stations also, shuttle service available from the finish to Blue Ridge on race day if you have no support crew. 22,000 feet of gain/loss. THIS IS A "TRUE" POINT TO POINT CHALLENGE. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS HAPPEN THAT ARE OUT OF YOUR CONTROL: REFUNDS, DEFERMENTS, AND TRANSFER AVAILABLE PER REQUEST. NO REFUNDS LATER THAN 2 WEEKS BEFORE RACE DATE. NO MANDATORY VOLUNTEER HOURS REQUIRED FOR ANY OF OUR RACES, HOWEVER, WELCOMED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. Now that Covid restrictions are easing, we have improvements in mind for our third year! Increased signage, hot food at some aid stations and the finish, a warming tent and changing tent at the finish, the option for finish line drop bags and increased shuttle service will be added to the event to make our runners more comfortable and keep you going. Both distances will have GPS trackers so your crew will know where you are and your families and fans can watch at home!

Course Description

Signs and flagging mark the entire 100 mile (22,000 feet of elevation gain/loss) and 100k (15,000 feet of elevation gain/loss)course. Maps will also be provided and each racer for the entire race so race staff, support crews, and family can assist. The race starts in the downtown city park of Blue Ridge, Georgia with runners heading west out of town down the abandoned railroad tracks to Cherry Log. Picking up the Benton MacKaye Trail in Cherry Log to start heading North to Dyer Gap. Continuing along the BMT until the runners meet the Northern Terminus of the Pinhoti Trail. Turning South on the Pinhoti Trail heading to Mulberry Gap Retreat passing by some beautiful waterfalls and climbing some big summits. After Mulberry Gap, runners head into the toughest sections of the course with a climb over Turkey and Tatum Mountains to then pick-up the Pinhoti Connector for a huge climb up to Fort Mountain State Park. From here runners will complete both the Gahuti and 301 Trails in Fort Mountain State Park which provide the best views on the course, all at a STEEP price. Using the Pinhoti Connector to return to the Pinhoti Trail, heading South to the Finish which is the parking lot off Dennis Mill Rd. 22,000 feet of elevation gain/loss and one of the most challenging courses in North Georgia.

Promo Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csYe-XYEvvg

Top 5 awards in each class below. 1. Overall Men - 1st in 100-mile receives $500 and next year's entry. $250 prize to anyone who breaks the 100 mile course record: Males 23:34:32 2. Overall Women - 1st in 100-mile receives $500 and next year's entry. $250 prize to anyone who breaks the 100 mile course record: Female 24:10:05 3. Overall Men - 1st in 100 k receives next year's entry. 4. Overall Women - 1st in 100k receives next year's entry. 5. Masters Men (50-59) 6. Masters Women (50-59) 7. Grand Masters Men (60 and older) 8. Grand Masters Women (60 and older)

No cutting of the designed course. All flags must be punched to receive credit for the entire course. Details in pre-race email. Listen and follow all instructions from race staff / medical personnel during the race. Be courteous to other runners and day hikers. You may only receive the aid within 100 feet of an aid station or water station that allows crew access No littering. Take in, take out. Trekking poles are allowed. The Race Director has the sole discretion of the administration of any violations of the race rules ranging from a time penalty, up to and including disqualification. Pacers allowed after aid station #5 (Mulberry Gap) and support crews welcome the entire race.

What We Provide

1.The longest and most challenging point to point ultra trail run in Georgia! 2. GPS Trackers and Live race updates during the race for family and friends at home to stay connected with your progress. 3. Full media teams will produce professional race videos and photos for the entire race which will be available to racers after the race for free. 4. Race long sleeve shirt (unisex tee) OR race hat. 5. (9) Fully stocked aid stations. 6. Shuttle for any withdrawing racers back to Blue Ridge, GA. 7. Solo drop bags. 8. Finisher buckle 10. Post-race meal.

100 Mile Start: 5:00 am Cut-off is 40 Hours or 9pm on Sunday.  100K Start: 5:00 am  Cut-off is 32 Hours or 2pm on Sunday. Early Package Pick-up - Friday, March 31st from 4pm to 7pm City Park, 900 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 3 Package Pick Pick-up - Saturday, April 1st starting at 4:30 am. City Park, 900 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 

2021 Video by Nomadic Matt!

Refund Policy

We understand things happen. No refunds will be issued; however, you may transfer your entry to another racer in the same event without a penalty until 5 days before the event. You are responsible for finding a person interested in buying your entry as well as working out payment with them. Entries do not transfer to other events nor do they transfer year to year. If you would like to sell your entry to another racer, please contact [email protected] with the name and email of the person to whom you wish transfer your entry. ?

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Best Single-Handed Bluewater Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Sailing alone in racing or time on the water is a great experience. Finding the best single-handed blue water sailboat for those needs can be a tough task.

Regardless if you have a cruiser or racing sailboat, a single-handed one can offer many opportunities versus larger boats. So what are some of the best ones on the market?

The Hunter Channel 31, J/109, and West Wight Potter 19 are great budget-friendly, single-handed sailboats. Moving up in price, you can look at Hanse 371, Jeanneau Sunfast 3200, and even a Dehler 29. Depending on the size and the amount of features it has will determine what they are worth.

While the budget will play a role in finding the right single-handed boat for you, there are plenty of other factors to consider. These range between comfort, stability, and useful features.

According to experts in sailing, most prefer comfort over price as long as it is justifiable with the amount you are paying. As long as it is not too far over your budget, you could consider a slightly higher-priced boat if it has a few more bells and whistles to make your life easier.

Table of contents

‍ 12 Single-Handed Sailboats to Consider

Whether you are planning to cruise around or going out for the day sailing, there are a handful of sailboats to consider. You want to choose one that is best operated alone and would not need additional hands to make it work.

{{boat-info="/boats/rs-sailing-rs-aero"}}

For a fun day out at sea, it is hard to pass up on a quality dinghy . This one, in comparison to other dinghies, is fairly light and takes hardly any time to set up.

The RS Aero is one of the more technologically advanced dinghies for one individual to use. This one in particular has amassed a handful of awards for the best performance overall.

Due to its popularity and quality, these range between $10,000 to $15,000. If you find it any cheaper than that, it could be worth the investment.

2. Beneteau Oceanis 62

{{boat-info="/boats/beneteau-oceanis-yacht-62"}}

If you are feeling a bit adventurous or feel confident in your ability to handle a large boat by yourself, then try out the Beneteau Oceanis 62 . This boat is slightly over 60 feet, so it is recommended that you have all your ducks in a row before setting sail.

Thankfully, the boat was designed with ease of use in mind. So this could easily be operated by one person if they have some experience with it.

If you purchased this one for the family, then you can still have the added benefits of taking people with you. But if you decide you want to be by yourself, that is an option too.

This boat is valued around $600,000, so it is arguably one of the more expensive options for just a single handed sailboat. But if you are looking for a family boat, you are killing two birds with one stone.

3. Hunter Channel 31

{{boat-info="/boats/hunter-channel-31"}}

This British made sailboat debuted in 2001 with a twin keel, making it a great choice for solo sailing. While it has a rich history in racing, the design has gone through slight adjustments over the years to make it a solid cruiser.

With its incredible handling and quick turns, this sailboat has excellent handling. The hull structure allows it to have a low center of gravity and provide it with increased stability compared to other racing boats.

The deck layout, in combination of the self-tacking jib and tiller steering, allow this boat to be one of the best on the market if you can find it.

You can usually sail these fractionally rigged and reef with ease from the cockpit. For around $35,000, you are getting a great deal on a boat that has everything you need.

{{boat-info="/boats/j-boats-j109"}}

If you are not quite ready to venture out alone or want the availability to take people out with you, then the J/109 is a great sailboat to look into. These were first built in 2004, so you should be able to still find them today.

If you decide that you want to take it out by yourself, you could look into going offshore and into areas where other boats have difficulty reaching. You might be able to get it to plane on open water, but it is a little heavy.

With its asymmetric spinnaker, you should be able to jib from the cockpit with light wind. Even in heavier winds, this boat offers great stability.

Due to its high standards of construction and long term stability, these boats are still valued around $60,000. If you can find one a little less for that, it could be a steal.

5. West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

This boat design has been around since 1979, which prioritized safety and handling. Those factors alone make it a quality solo handling boat.

This sailboat has grown on many over the last three decades. People have probably overlooked it due to its name, but you should definitely check it out if you find one.

The slight design changes over the years have turned this into a tough little boat. It has a Bermuda rigged sloop and can handle various conditions.

With its lifting keel, it allows it to navigate shallow waters. This boat might be one of the more versatile options out there if you plan on sailing in shoal drafts.

For the price, it is hard to beat something less than $10,000. If you are wanting a newer version with upgraded features, you could be spending around $25,000.

6. Hanse 371

{{boat-info="/boats/hanse-371"}}

For a mid-sized cruiser, it will be hard to pass up a Hanse 371 if you come across it. This boat design is geared towards single handed sailing, with a perfect mix of older and newer technology.

It has a furlong and self-tacking jib, along with an autopilot feature making it easy to use for one person. For a boat that was built around 2000, it was well ahead of its time.

Even though the boat is a bit larger than some others for solo sailing, you will have plenty of space to move around. With the large galley and quite a bit of cabin room, you will feel like you are in a mansion.

The look and handle of this boat is favored by many, which is why it still holds its value. You can potentially find ones for sale around $60,000.

7. Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

{{boat-info="/boats/jeanneau-sun-fast-3200"}}

From the first glance at this boat, you can see that it has a traditional look compared to other sailboats. Since it is smaller and lighter, it makes it easy to handle through many conditions.

The boat was originally designed to be a racer, so you have stability and strength in addition to speed. These were built around 2008, but still offer some of the best technology you will find today.

For space, you will have plenty of room just for yourself. There are two double cabins, galley, and a head compartment.

This fractional sloop, along with the keel, can provide easy sailing in either direction of the wind. You can comfortably have the mast around 60 percent to reach a comfortable speed.

This boat is still modern, so you will see these a little bit more often than some others. You will likely find them for about $160,000 but you get all of the latest technology and a boat that is built to last.

8. Tartan 3700

{{boat-info="/boats/tartan-3700"}}

The Tartan 3700 is another quality boat that you can live on and comfortably cross the sea with. Thanks to the self-tacking jib, it allows the boat to be used easily by one person.

This boat was originally designed in the 1970’s, but still has value today. It has been proven to be a great boat to cover long distances and with multiple people on board.

Even though this one might be a little bit older in comparison to other single handed boats, the price still ranges close to $150,000. Rest assured, there is still quality and reliability with this sailboat.

9. Dehler 29

While this boat is not as popular in America, the Dehler 29 is a popular German sailboat. This boat is starting to become popular as more sailors look for single handed boats.

In 1998, this boat earned the honors for boat of the year and sailing boat of the year in the Cruising World Magazine. Since then, it still performs with quality since day one.

Since it is equipped with a tiller, you can steer this boat with ease. This offers one of the best opportunities to steer a boat without having to have an extra set of hands.

For the price, you can still find these on the market for slightly under $60,000. This is what you will pay for top quality German sailboats.

10. Rhodes 19

{{boat-info="/boats/oday-rhodes-19"}}

The Rhodes 19 is another classic style sailboat that many will gravitate to when they see it. Not only is it perfect for solo sailing, but you can have a few people on board if you enjoy family time.

The hull design is meant to be forgiving on the water, allowing it to easily handle heavier conditions. Since day one, this boat’s design has stood the test of time whether you are experienced or a newbie when it comes to sailing.

You can sprit rig this boat or simply use a Bermuda rig to help push you along with the wind. Since it has a low center of gravity, you do not have to worry about stability with this one.

Depending on your location, you can still find these for about $20,000. Assuming it is in good condition, you might find them slightly higher priced.

11. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-flicka-20"}}

This boat has a strong history of solo sailing , simply because having more than one or two people would be uncomfortable. These were very common around the 1980’s and there were roughly 400 of these built. If you can find one that was built in the late 90’s, that would be your best bet.

The reason this boat deserves some attention is that you can potentially find it for a great price and live on it. This boat is also towable, making it easy to take with you no matter where you go. For just under $20,000, you can find plenty in good condition.

{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-laser"}}

The Laser is a specific boat that you have probably seen in the Olympics. This small boat is simple and ready to go exploring for solo sailing.

This is arguably one of the most popular single handed boats out there. If you want the simplest option for sailing by yourself, look no further than a Laser.

This boat can use various rig types, so whichever method you prefer. Most use cat rigging since there is no headsail and just one mainsail. It also helps that this boat is easy to set up, making it desirable for solo handlers.

For the price point, you cannot beat $7,000 compared to other single handed boats. Due to its popularity and quality, you might have to pay a little more.

Why You Should Solo Sail

Solo sailing is an experience like no other and even replicates similar adrenaline rushes in other sports. If you are not seeking the thrill, there are boats drained to take it a little bit slower on the water.

Regardless of your skill level, you should consider the experience at least once in your life. The beautiful thing about this is, it does not have to be the perfect boat to get it done.

There are even plenty of sailors that have sailed on much larger boats or ones that were designed for more people. It all depends on the adventure you are trying to seek, but there is clearly not another like it when sailing on your own.

Features to Look for in Single-Handed Boats

When solo sailing, there are plenty of features that can separate one boat from another. These can make a big difference in how your adventure goes for the day.

The conditions at sea are often unavoidable and something that everyone has to deal with. Whether you are solo saling or with a crew, everyone has to be aware of tough conditions.

If you sail alone, you are required to do everything in order to make it back safely. Having something with an automation system will be huge for solo sailors.

If you have a quality boat, the next best thing would be automation systems on board to help your life sailing much easier. Some of these systems include autopilot, electric windlass, roller furling, and even a radar.

Other sailors might want lines that run to the aft, a wind vane, or a hydraulic system for the bow or stern. Basically anything that you can do with a click of a button to reduce manual labor.

While this is an obvious option, you do not want to forget about stability. No matter how fast the boat is or how many cool features it has, those will be useless if you have issues with handling.

You want a boat that has wide beams and shorter waterlines. While this limits some speed, that is a much better trade off than having nothing at all.

Easy to Use

When picking out your single handed sailboat, you want one that is easy to use. If there are too many features that are required to get it going, you either need more experience or that boat is not right for you.

Try finding one that only requires a few steps in comparison to other ones. You might have to pick one that is a bit smaller in order to get used to it all, which is all you really need since your are by yourself.

Many sailors will have their preferred sails when going out on the water. A unique sail design that you could look for is the Bermuda sail with a gaff sail.

This allows you to have more sail area on a shorter mast. It also allows you to have better control and less heeling force that is common for longer sails.

It does make sense to choose the one that is right for your boat and what is most comfortable to you. After you find the right boat for you, you should strongly consider the sails it has.

Rigging Type

When it comes to solo sailing, the gaff rig is one of the best rig types. Even though the Bermuda is the most common, you lose some windward capabilities since it is lower.

The gaff rig makes the most sense because it is easier to use and has the best downwind performance. Each sailor will have their preferred rig type, but in solo sailing, the gaff stands out the best.

Price Point Makes a Difference

You do not have to break the bank when deciding what boat is best for solo sailing. There are boats that can fit within any budget, and you just have to know what you are looking for.

Just because a boat is priced over $100,000, does not guarantee that it is the best on the market. Depending on the brand, how many features it has, and how big the boat is will determine the price.

Some of the best single handed sailboats are priced less than $20,000. It all depends on the type of adventure you are seeking and how much money you are willing to spend.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hunter 30: Still the Affordable Fantasy

Production coastal cruiser offers a lot of boat for not a lot of bucks..

Hunter Marine began building auxiliary sailboats in 1974, largely as the result of the first oil embargo and the new energy consciousness that followed. Founded by Warren Luhrs, Hunter began as a division of the powerboat-maker Silverton Yachts, which was interested in expanding its offerings and taking advantage of the new interest in saving fuel.

The companys aim was high-volume production, keeping prices low by standardizing design, making as few tooling changes as possible, and offering its boats fully equipped-while other companies were selling things like bow pulpits and lifelines as options on a 30-foot boat. The original Hunter boats were marketed as the affordable fantasy and came with sails, dock lines, fenders, life jackets, and fire extinguishers, in what Hunter called the Cruise Pak of standard features. About the only option available on the early Hunters was a choice of shoal- or deep-draft keel.

Photo by CeCe Stoldt

In 2012, Hunter Marine was sold to David Marlow, the builder of Marlow Yachts. With this change of ownership came a change in corporate goals and product offerings. Hunter Marine began-like its chief competitor, Catalina Yachts-with a small group of standardized models. From 1974 through 1977, it offered only the Hunter 25, 27, and 30 models, and from 1977 through 1979, the builder added only the 33 and 37. Today, Hunter-Marlow makes nine production models ranging from trailerable daysailors (15 to 22 feet) to mid-size (27 to 37 feet) and large (40 to 50 feet) keelboats.

Also, Hunters high-volume-production business model has been replaced with the Marlow ethos, which is more focused on yacht-level quality than production volume. Marlow-Hunter produces about 100 boats each year, including trailerable and cruising sailboats, as well as Mainship powerboats, according to Greg Emerson, Marlow-Hunters director of sales.

The Hunter 30

Designed by John Cherubini and built from 1974 to 1983, the Hunter 30 is a coastal cruiser that was designed to offer a lot of boat for little money. With a focus on streamlining construction to boost production volume, Hunter aimed to offer an affordable coastal racer-cruiser. More than 1,000 Hunter 30s were built over the nine-year production run; however, a number of them were sold as Quest 30s, which was essentially a sail-away, bare-hull kit boat, and the purchaser completed the interior and the fitting out.

For this report, we checked out a 1980 Hunter 30 (hull #934) and a 1978 model (hull #568). In contrast to later Hunters, the early Cherubini-designed models were conservative and conventional in design. The longer sister models-the 33 and 37-were, in our opinion, good-looking boats, moderately styled, with an attractive bow line and sheer, and a pleasing coachroof. The smaller boats, the 25 and 27, instead traded in some styling characteristics in order to pack a lot of room into a short waterline, which left them with higher-sided with boxier cabinhouses.

The 30 lies somewhere in between-handsome from some angles but a bit too flat in the sheer and high in the cabintop to impress traditionalists. Still, most of those traditionalists would consider it a much more attractive boat than the modern Euro-styled Hunters.

The 30s hull is very full-to maximize interior space-but otherwise, its quite typical of the racer-cruisers of the 1970s. Overall, the boat is 29 feet, 11 inches long-the maximum allowable length under the then-popular Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) rule. The short overhangs result in a long waterline, fundamental for sailing speed. The beam, at just a hair over 10 feet, is moderate by 1970s standards, but narrow in comparison to the big 30-footers that have appeared since. The Catalina 30, for example, is nine inches wider, and many current boats carry a foot more beam (and carry it further aft) than the Hunter 30.

A conventional fin keel, drawing 5 feet, 3 inches, was standard, with a 4-foot shoal keel as an option. We test-sailed the deep-keel version, and suspect it is much to be preferred, unless you absolutely need the shallower draft. Company literature lists the displacement and ballast as identical on both models. That would make the shallow-keel version more tender, requiring crew to reef early as the wind pipes up.

The foredeck is on the smaller side for anchor work and sail handling because the cabinhouse extends quite far forward. The 1978 and later models have an anchor well built into the foredeck that is self-contained and large enough to hold over 400 feet of rode, or enough for two anchors. The test boat we sailed had a furling jib, a desirable option in view of the smallish foredeck.

A significant shortcoming of the boats design is the narrow sidedecks. The wide cabinhouse makes it clear that the designers top priority was interior room, with deck work being a distant consideration. Its near impossible to get past the chainplates, especially on the leeward side when under a press of canvas, without climbing atop the cabinhouse.

The boat has a good cockpit, a bit smaller than some other 30-footers (again, a result of maximizing cabin space). A wheel was standard on the boat; its small, which is good for moving around the cockpit, but less than ideal for helming, in our opinion

A T cockpit became standard following the 1980 models, and some people preferred that arrangement; however, you could lie down on the older bench seats, and you can’t with the T. The bench seats would benefit from some sort of drain arrangement since they trap water. A deep lazarette behind the cockpit offers additional on-deck storage.

A peculiarity of the decks on the early Hunters is that the nonskid pattern was not molded in as is customary on fiberglass decks. Instead, a nonskid aggregate was painted on. Given the age of the Hunter 30, the original aggregate is likely long gone, and owners have had to apply fresh nonskid paint or nonskid mat. Fortunately, such a repair is straightforward and an easy (although time-consuming), do-it-yourself project (see PS August 2008 and November 2013 online).

On the boats we examined, there was minimal sail-handling equipment on deck-one pair of jib-sheet winches, a small halyard winch for the jib, no winch for the main halyard, no Cunningham or vang, no control lines on the traveler, no flattening reef, a single jiffy reef block, two jib lead blocks out on the toerail, and no backstay adjuster. However, most H30 owners have added deck gear over the years, including a running backstay, so what youll find on Hunter 30s today will run the gamut. A large number of Hunter 30 owners who responded to our survey reported that their boat was rigged for singlehanding, making it easy to sail with a short- or single-handed crew.

The original Hunter 30 owners manual was a great example of a good, clear, simple manual. It has always amazed us how many other boat builders provide the buyer with little or no printed information. If you happen to own or buy a Hunter 30 (or pretty much any older Hunter model) thats missing its manual, simply download the PDF of the original from the Hunter-Marlow website.

courtesy of Kasi McCain

The 30s interior was a strong selling point for the Hunter 30. Almost every owner that responded to our survey commented on the size of the boats interior-often relative to low price-when talking about their reasons for buying the 30.

The interior is well laid out, but plain. Theres a lot here for the money, however. Some of the original details could use changing-the alcohol stove, lack of vents, and small water tank-and many owners have upgraded or modified these systems.

The Hunter 30s layout is conventional, with a good V-berth forward, then a head with small hanging locker opposite, settee berths on each side of the saloon with a double, a drop-leaf table in the middle, an L-shaped galley, with the sink underneath the companionway, and a quarter berth, with a small chart table at its head. The berths are of good size, and on some boats, the port settee can convert to a double berth.

The head area is roomy with enough space for comfortable showering and a door for privacy. The interior also offers lots of storage for a boat this size: The hanging locker can accommodate plenty of clothes and has an overhead shelf; and there are three large storage lockers in the V-berth, plus a host of drawers and under-seat storage in the saloon.

The icebox on the boat we looked at had minimal insulation and would benefit from several more inches all around. Many owners reported having upgraded with icebox conversion kits.

The deckhouse is high and wide, and this gives a look of spaciousness below. The white hull liner overhead helps offset the extensive teak veneer on the bulkheads, ceilings, sole, and furniture.

There are adequate ports and hatches to allow in enough light. The opening portlights-Hunter was one of the first production boats to offer numerous opening ports as standard-offer good ventilation. If youre considering buying a Hunter 30 that has not had any ventilation upgrades, you will probably want to add some Dorades or solar vents to keep the air moving when the ports and hatches must be closed.

The finish downbelow is typical of low-cost production boats, which depend on pre-fab components that can be rapidly installed in the hull. In our owner surveys, there were a great many complaints about the original joinerwork, door hinges, and hardware. The original cabin sole was made of teak veneer, so in instances of water damage, it often cannot be repaired but must be replaced.

For the first four years of the Hunter 30s production, a 12-horsepower Yanmar diesel was standard. After 1978, standard power was a 15-horsepower Yanmar, followed by an 18-horsepower Yanmar.

The 12 was a particularly noisy engine; the later models were less so. Most of the owners who completed our survey thought the engines were minimal for powering the boat, especially in any kind of head seas; however, by traditional standards, even the 12-horsepower model should be adequate for the weight and length of the boat. Although the 12 is highly praised for its reliability, many people will find the later Hunter 30s to be more desirable because of their larger, smoother-running engines.

Engine accessibility was criticized by almost all of the owners who completed our survey. Access is awful, said one. You must be a left-handed midget to work on this engine.

We thought accessibility was far from ideal, but not excessively bad for this size boat. With a big interior and a small cockpit, its hard to stuff an engine under the cockpit sole without cramping.

The Hunter 30 we sailed (with a Yanmar 12) was well behaved under power; it backed nicely, turned crisply, and drove through strong winds (in protected water) with no problem. Our impression was that the engines vibration and noise were more of a concern than its power. Anyone buying the boat with the Yanmar 12 will probably want to spend the time to get perfect alignment. Wed also look closely at the engine mounts and the shaft-strut mounting.

Some owners have re-powered their boats, usually opting for a Yanmar 2QM15 or Yanmar 2GM20F diesel with good results. A two-blade solid prop was standard, but a number of owners refitted the boat with a three-blade solid prop to improve powering. We doubt if the gain would offset the loss in sailing ability.

Theres a full skeg ahead of the rudder. If you have to remove the propeller shaft for some reason, youll have to remove the engine first, or tear the skeg off. On the shoal-draft version, the skeg also is something of a grounding vulnerability as the rudder is about as deep as the foot of the keel.

We were pleasantly surprised by the sailing performance of the Hunter 30. We sailed one in a long, triangular race-two triangles, then windward-leeward-windward legs-in heavy air, a little over 20 knots at the start.

Considering that the test boat had almost no sail controls and old sails, and that the underbody was rough and a bit weedy, the boat moved very well, going to weather respectably in a serious racing fleet, and reaching and running competitively.

The jib we used was the 130-percent genoa on roller furling, and this was about right for the boat in those conditions. When the wind faded near the end of race, the boat was clearly under-canvassed.

The boat is slightly under-rigged with its short mast. To sail well in light air, especially with the solid prop that most 30s have, a sizeable genoa is required. One Florida Panhandle-based owner reports that she sails with a 155 or 170 genoa, both of which are ideal in light winds and can be reefed with furling if the wind picks up. This boat sails nicely and does better in higher winds than light wind. …. It responds very quickly when tacking and can almost sail itself in steady winds, she explained.

We agree: The 30 is a good sailing boat, responsive and easy to steer. Its PHRF rating of 186 (New England fleet) would probably be very favorable. If the boat were rigged with a full complement of sail-handling gear and modern sails, it should be able to stay with other 30-footers of the same era, such as the Pearson 30, Catalina 30 (not the tall rig), and ODay 30. Since sailing is what sailing is all about, our opinion of the Hunter 30 was improved dramatically when we took a first in the races main-and-jib class.

Conclusions

The Hunter 30 was a boat built to a price point-to appeal to the sailor who wanted a lot of boat at an affordable price.

As long as a buyer understands that, not expecting custom quality at barnyard prices, the Hunter 30 can be a good value in a used boat. Many on the used market today have been repowered and had systems upgrades added like refrigeration. Be sure to look for delamination issues, check the nonskid, and examine the cabinhouse around the mast for sagging, as many of these Hunters have had compression post issues.

Its easy to pay too much for a used boat these days, but for a good-condition, roomy coastal cruiser that can make a good showing around the buoys, the Hunter 30 can be had at a decent price-a lot of cruisability for minimal investment. Youll find Hunter 30s on the used-boat market to be priced about the same as comparable boats (Catalina 30 and Pearson 30), with an average pricetag of about $13,500.

Pros -Many have been re-rigged for easy singlehanding from the cockpit -Roomy cockpit for a 30-footer -Minimal topside brightwork -Sizeable anchor well on deck -Many have been upgraded to furling headsails -Handholds run the full length of cabin

Cons -Limited foredeck space -Very narrow sidedecks -Standard, original ventilation was lacking, needs upgrades -Pre-1980 bench seats trap water, need drain added

Hunter Marine built the 30 with an aim to maximize interior space. 1. The galley came standard with an alcohol stove, a deep ice box, and a small sink; many owners have updated the cooktop and added some type of refrigeration. The sink is too small to effectively wash dishes. 2. The settees offer full-length berths. 3. The H30 fits a fair bit of interior storage in a small space, including drawers behind and under the settees. 4. The V-berth has additional storage under the bed, which is large enough to comfortably sleep two (friendly) adults. 5. A very small nav desk and a full-length quarter berth are situated to port of the companionway. Electronics can be mounted inside the companionway.

In construction, the Hunter 30 is very conventional—an economical, solid-glass layup in the hull and a balsa-cored deck with plywood for backing under cleats. A conventional flange, with a through-bolted aluminum toerail joins the hull and deck together. The basic construction is quite a contrast to that of present-day Hunters, which can generally be described as highly engineered and Euro-styled, at the opposite end of the spectrum from the early Hunters like the 30.

Testers’ opinion of the fiberglass work was that it was good but a little light—marginal for offshore sailing but strong enough for typical coastal cruising.

On one of the Hunter 30s we looked at, there was extensive delamination of the cockpit sole and the bench seats. There also were signs of sloppy glass work—ragged edges and un-resinated glass—in compartments and other out-of-sight places.

Quality-control problems also were cited by a surprisingly high number of the Hunter 30 owners we surveyed for this article. The problems often mentioned included improperly hooked-up fuel-return lines, chafed hoses, leaking ports, poorly fitted hatch boards and lazarette covers, improperly installed exhaust systems, and so on.

The Hunter 30 compares favorably, in price and performance, to other production boats in the same size range and of similar vintage.

• Marlow-Hunter
• Hunter Owners Group

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Great review and enlightening! Thanks for your knowledge!

Great coverage on the 30! I owned a Hunter 30 1994-2000. Live aboard at Harbor Island San Diego. Very nice experience. Yes, the Yanmar 15 was a bit noisy. I thought For a while there was mechanical issues but Found out it was it’s nature.

Good article. I bought a 1977 Hunter 30, and it does sail surprisingly well for a older production boat. The engine works okay but is a bit noisy. It will soon be for sail as my daughter is the sailor and moved overseas for college.

Almost 40 years in my 1978 27 ft. Your comments were all on the mark. The original 8 hp gave out after 30 years and repowered with the 15 hp and replace the packing stuffing box with seal. Replaced the ports in the head and vee. For the time available I had to sail it worked out well. Fifteen years on Great Lakes and 22 plus in FL.

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Mildura 100 to go ahead on Easter long weekend despite two recent deaths in Murray River waterskiing races

Sam Perry is one of many thrill seekers that waterskied alongside the late Mathew Arnall, who died in a crash while racing at the Euston Robinvale 80  on the border between Victoria and New South Wales on March 9.

Perry, 25, is gearing up to compete at the Mildura 100 race this Easter, despite back-to-back waterskiing races on the Murray River marred by fatalities in recent weeks.

"I knew Matt … he was a really good fella — it's always sad to see people you know and get along with really well pass away," the extreme athlete said.

The waterskiing community has introduced interim safety regulations ahead of a "larger review" as athletes get ready to compete in Victoria's north-west.

Perry, an observer for Ballarat-based team 1648 Racing, said fatalities in the sport were "really sad" for everyone involved.

"We all know the risks associated with the sport — we know it's super dangerous," he said.

"That's part of the reason we love it so much. The thrill of getting out there and testing yourself."

Another experienced skier, Luke Wentworth, died on February 11 while waterskiing in the Southern 80 race at Moama on the Murray River.

Wentworth was the seventh person to die in the race since 1987.

One death is too many

Waterskiing caused of 24.4 per cent (20 in total) of all boating-sports deaths across the country between July 2000 and December 2019, according to an Edith Cowan University research paper published in 2021.

And while many athletes say they are aware of the risks, experts are calling for stronger safety regulations and a change in attitude regarding sports deaths.

Lauren Fortington, a senior research fellow in injury epidemiology and sports medicine at Edith Cowan University, said one death in the sport was too many.

"Perceptions are very mixed — some in the public are arguing the sport is becoming too soft and others are saying not enough is being done to protect participants," Dr Fortington said.

"What's missing is that information about the risks involved in different sports.

"So, when prevention measures are introduced we don't necessarily have a strong baseline to evaluate from.

"We need that [information] to show the value and get the funding for those primary prevention initiatives."

Safety review looming

Ski Racing Australia (SRA) — the peak body for waterski racing — has introduced interim safety measures for the Mildura 100 including a speed cap of 90 miles per hour (144 kilometres per hour) for social classes.

The speed cap for social classes was previously 120mph (193kph).

Competitors who fail to present their equipment for scrutineering will be ineligible to race.

Entry lists for both the social and expert classes will also be reviewed by a safety committee to ensure athletes are safely categorised based on their skill level.

The SRA declined an interview with the ABC, but in a statement said in consultation with its members, it would look to provide the "safest competition environment".

"The latest introduction of safety rules for the Mildura 100 event are interim measures that will form part of a larger review over the winter months," the statement said.

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Published on November 21st, 2023 | by Editor

Field confirmed for Sydney Hobart Race

Published on November 21st, 2023 by Editor -->

A diverse fleet, including multiple former winners, will take on the 628 nautical mile 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.

One hundred and thirteen boats are entered for the 78th running of Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) famous race, which begins from Sydney Harbor on December 26.

There are 10 international entrants: from New Zealand (Allegresse, Caro and Niksen), Hong Kong (Antipodes and SHK Scallywag), New Caledonia (Eye Candy), USA (Lenny), France (Teasing Machine), Germany (Rockall 8), and Ireland (Cinnamon Girl).

Australia is represented across all six states, with New South Wales home to 60 entries, while Queensland fields 18, Victoria 15, Tasmania 7, Western Australia 2, and South Australia 1.

Four 100-foot maxis will likely vie for Line Honors this year – four-time winner Andoo Comanche which took Line Honors in 2022 and holds the race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds as LDV Comanche for Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant (2017).

But Andoo Comanche will be pressed by Law Connect, which placed second last year and won the John H Illingworth Challenge Cup as first across the line back in 2016 as Perpetual LOYAL, SHK Scallywag, and Wild Thing 100, the recently modified Botin 80 Stefan Racing.

“Scallywag [didn’t race last year] is an unknown quantity, but I believe Witty [David Witt] has the boat in the best shape ever,” observed Andoo Comanche skipper John Winning Jr. “Law Connect broke the record in 2016 [as Perpetual LOYAL] so they have a phenomenal boat.

“Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing is another unknown. Wharo is working around the clock to get the boat finished. He is a determined man so I’m sure he will have the boat ready to go.”

Sam Haynes and the crew of his TP52 Celestial (above) are back to defend the coveted Tattersall Cup awarded in 2022 as Overall winner under IRC on corrected time.

“TP52s seem to fit the race, then you need skilled sailors with the personalities to match,” notes Haynes. “You need confidence too and I’m going to put my best foot forward.”

The competition for the major prize will be hotly contested this year with eight mini maxis and nine TP52s and other 52-foot racers as well as a range of smaller boats across all divisions, including two-handed, that could be up for the challenge if conditions favour them.

Five other past Overall winners are racing this year: • Alive (2018) • Bumblebee V (2001) • Love & War (1974, 1978, 2006), one of only three yachts to have won Overall on three separate occasions (Freya, Love & War, and Ichi Ban) • Christina, winner of the 1946 Sydney Hobart • Wild Oats/Wild Rose, won in 1993 and 2014 respectively

Twenty Two-Handed entries are competing. Rupert Henry returns as the 2022 Two-Handed Division winner with his Lombard 34 Mistral.

Henry describes sailing Hobart two-handed, “We only manage around 4 hours max of sleep each. We know when each other needs to crash so we do it then. I don’t prefer two-handed sailing, but I’m just enjoying trying to reach my full potential with just two people racing it.”

Jules Hall, who won the inaugural Two-Handed Division in 2021 with Jan Scholten on Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth, will be campaigning the J/99 fully-crewed this year and has put together a strong team comprised of CYCA’s Youth Sailing Academy sailors – a mix of both experienced and first-timers.

There will also be a large number of women sailors competing. Lisa Callaghan, who owns the Sydney 38 Mondo with Stephen Teudt, returns to the race in 2023 with unfinished business after retiring Mondo last year with a broken gooseneck.

Of the 113 entrants, seven were only built this year and 33 were constructed before 2000. The oldest entrant is Ena Ladd’s Christina, built in 1932. She is returning after 77 years having done just the one race in 1946.

One of the older boats, Robert Williams’ 1960-built Sylph VI, makes a return to the Sydney Hobart for the first time in 51 years after having competed five times back in the 1960s and early ‘70s.

From the four 100-foot maxis through to the three 30-footers (Currawong, Niksen, and Gun Runner), the 2023 fleet will join the 6,407 boats that have competed since 1945 when nine boats took on the challenge to race to Hobart from Sydney Harbour.

Details: https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/

The 628 nm course for the 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has several key features following the exit from Sydney Harbor on December 26. Most notable is the crossing of the easternmost edge of the exposed Bass Strait, a notorious expanse of water that can serve up punishing and violent waves, and then periods when the sea is calm as the wind fades. The final stretch up the Derwent River into Hobart can be either kind or cruel when deciding the results of the race.

Tags: Sydney Hobart

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