Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race entry closes in eight days

A bird's eye view of the fleet shortly after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Rolex / Stefano Gattini

Eight days out from entries closing for the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Friday October 28, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has received its 82nd entry for the 72nd running of its classic world-famous 628 nautical mile race.

At the pointy end of the fleet, record holder Wild Oats XI owned by the Oatley family, Anthony Bell's Perpetual LOYAL and Scallywag, the former Ragamuffin 100 now under the ownership of newcomer to yacht racing, Seng Huang Lee (HKG), make up the 100 foot super maxis.

Thirty feet shorter, but just as fast in certain conditions are three V70's – Peter Harburg's Black Jack (Qld), Jim Delegat's Giacomo (NZL) and Maserati, purchased this year by Jim Cooney.

Behind the trio lurks the likes of Philip Turner's RP66, Alive (Tas), Rupert Henry's JV62, Chinese Whisper, a seven-strong TP52 convoy, led by last year's winner, Balance, 10 international boats, exceptionally strong numbers in the 40 to 52ft range and previous winners, including defending champion, Balance, owned by media identity, Paul Clitheroe.

Balance was owned by Bob Steel and known as Quest when she won the Sydney Hobart for the first time in 2008. Clitheroe purchased the yacht in 2014 and won the Rolex Sydney Hobart last year.

Asked was it possible he could retain the Tattersall's Cup, awarded to the overall winner each year, Clitheroe said, amidst much laughter, "I never thought I would win it in the first place, so twice is improbable statistically, but it would be good."

Clitheroe agrees the requirements to win are a good boat and crew, the right conditions and a bit of luck.

"We have all of the necessary ingredients, our crew are amateurs, but they're good amateurs, and most have sailed with me for years. No pros on Balance," Clitheroe said.

"Win twice, no, it's unlikely it will happen, but it's exciting to see there are currently seven competitiveTP52's already entered – that alone tells you how unrealistic it would be for me to have expectations."

Internationally, the fleet is represented by a diversity of yachts from Mainland China, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden, the USA, United Kingdom, and Germany. Ark323 (Noahs Yacht Club) returns from China - a collision caused by another entrant forced her retirement last year.

Jens Kellinghusen returns from Germany with his year-old Ker 56, Varuna VI, an update on the Ker 51 he raced here in 2013 and Hoshihiko Murase returns from Japan having suffered the disappointment of retiring last year with KLC Bengal 7.

International newcomers to the race include Joseph Mele's Triple Lindy (SA), Richard Rowe's Moksha (UK), Jonas Grandr's Matador (SWE), Colin Rath's Persevere (USA) and Richard Stain's Samskara (UK).

A broad variety of boats from NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia have signed up to represent Australia. Among the front runners are those already listed above along with Bruce Taylor's Chutzpah (Vic), Jason Ward's Concubine (SA) and Tony Kirby's Patrice.

Veteran yachts well able for the task include three-time Sydney Hobart winner Love & War (Simon Kurts), Komatsu Azzurro (Shane Kearns), which came so close last year and Sean Langman's Maluka of Kermandie (Tas) which has also come close on occasions.

The Boxing Day start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia.

Online entry and Notice of Race in English and Mandarin are available online at: rolexsydneyhobart.com/competitors/notice-of-race-entry