38th Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship - Preview
by Di Pearson, MHYC media 25 Nov 2015 20:43 GMT
28-29 November 2015
Lu Lu Belle leaving a few in her wake last year © Andrea Francolini / MHYC
The annual stoush to be crowned the Seven Island's Race champion will be on again when Middle Harbour Yacht Club's 38th Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC), takes place over the weekend of 28 and 29 November.
A unique event, to be staged on Sydney Harbour on Saturday 28 November, the pursuit style race starts and finishes off MHYC, and takes in some of Sydney's most recognised islands either side of the Harbour Bridge. The yachts will pass Fort Denison to port on the way up and back and take in Goat Cockatoo, Snapper and Spectacle Islands.
There is a division to suit all tastes and sizes; from Spinnaker Divisions 1 and 2 and Division 3, to the Non-Spinnaker Division, for those who prefer to sail it in relaxing style while taking in the views. The event also denotes Race 1 of the Jeanneau Cup, this year sponsored by Performance Boating Sales, Jeanneau's official dealer.
Among the Jeanneaus, whose owners are hoping to sweep all before them, are: Eau Well, William Wade's SO349, John Egger's J31, Eggsilante, Peter Lewis' Sun Odyssey 37 Lu Lu Belle and Martyn Colebrook's 39i, Slac-N-off.
Entries for the Seven Islands Race alone, include some fun names: Fine Cotton, Mike Logan's Beneteau Sense 43, the Adams 10's Contentious (Brian Lees) and No Friends (Geoffrey Charters), Uputakiteup, Alex Stewart's Sydney 36 and Vaughan Cloros' Farr 40, PT 73 - no doubt named for the 1960's American sitcom, McHale's Navy.
What's not to like? Competitors arrive back to the Club to live music and a barbecue and a few drinks on the Club's beach. Then there are the great prizes for the winners and giveaways at the Presentation on the beach after the race.
"Competitors enjoy arriving back to the entertainment the Club provides during the SSORC," says Middle Harbour Yacht Club's Commodore, John McCuaig.
"On Saturday we've booked the Sydney Groove Band from 4pm on. It's funky, slick and fun for all ages," the Commodore says of the band which boasts over 20 years worldwide experience in a variety of top rated bands, theatre shows and corporate events.
Lead vocalist, Jeff Camilleri, has carved a successful career as a bass player, vocalist and guitarist, recording albums and soundtracks for local and international musicians, film and television. He has performed with some of the industry's leading artists including Human Nature, Mark Williams, Doug Parkinson, and Doc Neeson.
For Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 6pm, Sunday Sounds will entertain those taking part in the SSORC. Join Lana Nesnas for an afternoon of cool jazz and easy listening favourites. As lead vocalist, she performs regularly with some of Sydney's premier party and tribute bands and featured as Frida in international ABBA tribute, ABBASBACK.
"Competitors, their family and friends are all welcome," the Commodore says. "And the Club's Sandbar will be open for breakfast and takeaway both days from 8am. A lot of crews come along to catch up pre-racing in a comfortable fashion."
Middle Harbour Yacht Club thanks its sponsors: Helly Hansen, Sydney City Marine and Club Marine for their long association with and support to the Club and its events and to Key Sun Laboratories and Performance Boating Sales.
For all information on the SSORC, please go to www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au