Confirmed: Sydney-Hobart!

Sailing the Pacific about 1200 nM off Sydney, October 2017
Last evening, just about midnight, I received amazing news - I got the crew position aboard a racing boat for the legendary RSHYR! So happy I could hardly sleep. This is truly a dream come true.

This race is widely considered to be one of the most difficult in the world because of high winds and difficult seas of the areas near Bass Strait. The race has been held every year since 1945 regardless off storms and weather, and has won quit a reputation. Today, there are loads of safety regulations to avoid unnecessary dangers, however it is still an extremely tough and bumpy ride. Storms and extreme waves are to be expected for up to 50% of the race.

S/y Ocean Gem, photo: Rolexsydneyhobart.com

I am proud to be competing in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Ocean Gem, a Beneteau 445 with sail number 8810, see more info here. Looking forward to be meeting the skipper and the crew - we will be 10 all together, 5 Australians, the rest international. We'll have weekly online meetings until the race start. The boat is undergoing enhancement before the race.

The action starts on Boxing Day (26/12) in Sydney, on Eastern coast of Australia. The race finishes in Tasmania. The boats can be tracked here, and I will send more updates as preparations for the race are progressing.

I'm super excited, and very grateful for the opportunity that I have received. I'm looking forward to hard training, great teamwork, tough and fast sailing, and great companionship!

For those who want to see what Sydney-Hobart can be like, I recommend this video: