The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has responded to the fast-growing interest in heritage offshore racing by adding an IOR Division to its annual Sydney-Hobart Great Veterans Race.

Entry in the new division is open to any yacht with a launch date after 1975 and prior to 1991 that has competed in at least one race to Hobart.

Chairman of the Great Veterans Race Committee, David Champtaloup, says the addition of yachts from the IOR era was inevitable. “There are just so many great boats, with great racing pedigrees, still out there from those decades and still sailing.

They form an essential part of the history of the race.”

The event, to be held on Saturday 14 May, is “no extras” which should attract owners and crews who don’t regularly compete. All participants are welcome to return to the clubhouse in Rushcutters Bay after the race for refreshments and the presentation.

In announcing the new division CYCA Commodore, Noel Cornish, noted that the passage of time has now brought the IOR yachts firmly within the traditions of the Sydney-Hobart race.

“This was really a golden period for Australian yachting,” he said. “We won the dramatic 1979 Admiral’s Cup with Ragamuffin, Police Car and Impetuous. IOR boats such as Hitchhiker Sweet Caroline did well in the Clipper Cup in Hawaii. The fleets for the Hobart race were incredibly strong.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the yachts from that era sailing together again on Sydney Harbour. They are spectacular – and a truly important part of our heritage.”

Entry can be made at app.sailsys.com.au/club/3/entry/series/1606/pricing.

by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

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