27th Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race.

by Jessica Statham on 16 Oct 2000 The Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yachting Classic started nearly thirty years ago when a group of Gosford yachtsmen sailed to the island. They felt it was a perfect opportunity to organise a race across the Tasman Sea to this beautiful Island.
Since the first race over more than 5000 sailors have visited Lord Howe Island, with family and friends joining them on the Island.

Lord Howe Island is 425 nautical north-east from Sydney, from Broken Bay where the race starts this year on Saturday, October 28th at 1300 hours. The fleet is limited to 25 yachts because of World Heritage listing of Lord Howe Island and its unique environment. As usual there has been many more applications to enter than there has been spaces in the fleet for this exclusive yacht race. This race is classified as one of the major long ocean races of the year. A lot of the entrants will also be participating in this summers Sydney to Hobart Great Ocean Race.

Gosford Sailing Club is one of the most active clubs on the NSW Central Coast. It is the Clubs 67th year of organising racing on Brisbane Waters. It hosts a modern clubhouse with shower/changing facilities, and bar/restaurant.

Lord Howe Island is know for its walks, it has excellent surfing beaches, you can also take advantage of the lagoons, bowls, golf, tennis and offshore angling.

Due to its Wolrd Heritage listing, the Island only has a small number of mooring to facilitate big boats, which limits the number and type of boat entrants.

The question is are you ready to go ocean racing? Its not just a cruise to a magnificent island, it's a category one ocean race. " 95% of boats that are built that are going to go category one ocean racing will draw more than2.2metre, so we are left with older boats and cruising type boats with retractable keels". "There are a lot of rules to abide by and your boat really has to be prepared and have all the category one equipment on board". Explained Tony Evans the race director.

It's a great opportunity for families and friends to take a holiday. The race starts on a Saturday and most people are in by Tuesday. There is always support people, family and return crew on the Island which make up about 200 extra, which generates tourism for the Island, that they wouldn't have otherwise.

Chris Holstein will be the official starter. The local media will be covering the race, which include the local radio and television station. The presentation will be on the Island at the Milky Way apartments, which have been of great support to the race. Leasecorp, and East Australian Airlines also sponsor the event.

There is also a spectator cruise being organised, ex Gosford on a boat called 'Magic', which is a 65ft catamaran. It will leave Gosford Sailing Club wharf on the morning of the race at 11.00am, and will cost $27.50 a head and will be Bring Your Own. It can be book on this number: 43692538. If the weather is too rough the money will be refunded.