Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship takes a new turn

Racing in the SSORC © Andrea Francolini

Don't leave it too late – entries close soon

Middle Harbour Yacht Club is broadening the appeal of the 38th Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC), which is sure to boost even more interest in the annual two day event to be held over the weekend of 28 and 29 November.

"We are intending to include a NSW InterClub Challenge in the SSORC and will shortly post an amendment to the Notice of Race," Ian Box, a Past Commodore of MHYC and Event Chairman announced today.

"Teams of three yachts need to have a combined TCC of no more than 3.50 and the inaugural winners will be decided by the best team result across the SSORC and the Sydney Harbour Regatta in March 2016," Box said, "but in future years, other Clubs events are expected also to be included."

Peter McNamara, who has recently returned to yachting, conceived the idea after recognising a competition gap for IRC yachts of 35 to 45 feet with Corinthian crews. He feels the Challenge will evolve and enhance competition in the style of the former Admiral's and Kenwood Cups.

A healthy interest and entry is growing for the Premier Class component of the SSORC, with a varied program designed to hone skills in the lead up to end of year races and attract the best in the business.

Bob Steel's three month old Matt 1180, Quest, is a boat to beat, having won IRC Division 2 of the 2015 IRC Australian Championship in August after finishing fourth at Airlie Beach Race Week – her inaugural competition.

Competing against Quest at the IRC Championships, Khaleesi, Andrew and Pauline Dally's DK46 finished third in Division 2, and will face off against Bob Cox's Nine Dragons again. Also a DK46, Nine Dragons overcame challenges from Khaleesi to win Division 1 at the 2014 SSORC and were also crowned NSW IRC Champions that year.

Other entries include 2014 SSORC Division 2 winner JustaDash, Phil Dash's Beneteau First 40, Tony Kirby's Ker 46, Patrice, Sebastian Bohm/Bruce Foye's Rogers 46, The Goat and Adrian Van Bellen's J122, Jackpot. All have winners' trophies to their names.

For those wanting a challenging inshore race on Saturday, MHYC is also again running the very popular 7 Island Race which attracts a large and diverse fleet.

All competitors and friends are invited back to Middle Harbour Yacht Club after the day's racing where they will enjoy the post-race beach party for drinks, sausage sizzle and live entertainment.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club would like to thank its sponsors: Helly Hansen, Sydney City Marine and Club Marine for their long association with and support to the Club and its events.

Entries close at 2400 hours on 20 November.

To enter online and for all information on the SSORC please go to www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au