Offshore Racing: Hard to Describe, Impossible to Resist
Many years ago sailors decided they wanted more of a challenge than just racing around their local harbours. Like-minded sailors got together over a beverage or two and created some longer distance sailing challenges. This is how many of the most famous offshore races were created - like the Transpac (1906), the Fastnet (1925), the Sydney to Hobart (1945) and the Whitbread/Volvo/Ocean Race (1973.)
The first Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club offshore race took place in Cook Strait back in 1911. So, we have a history of offshore races in Cook Strait dating back over 100 years. We continue this offshore racing tradition to this day.
But why? Who would want to race a yacht in open waters through coastal tides, ocean currents, darkness, and poor weather? In other words, the uncertainty the sea provides?
Non sailors and non-offshore sailors usually wonder if it is an extreme sport or simply an extremely expensive ego trip in sea boots. Well it can be both, and it can be the most exciting sport available.
Yacht racing is extreme because the sea has no respect for money. The tide does not care what time of day it is or who owns the boat. The rain squall does not care who paid for the sail wardrobe. The dark does not care if the owner is a millionaire, a public servant or a tradie working down the street.
The game of offshore sailing becomes very simple – it comes down to the crew as much as the boat they’re sailing on. The crew keeps the boat moving as fast as possible in all conditions. They look after the safety of the boat and each other, even when they may be wet, cold, tired, irritated, seasick, frightened, or hungry. Or all of the above.
People on shore don’t see this. They see the start, the finish and maybe selected video footage and photo. All from the safety of their home, with a hot shower and a comfortable dry bed that doesn’t move.
When a crew learns to work with Mother Nature in all her moods, works together as a crew building lifetime bonds and friendships it’s amazing what they can achieve. Whether they are on the latest most expensive yacht or an older well maintained affordable yacht, if the crew can sail the yacht to it’s potential, they can win.
So, if you’re up for the challenge of offshore racing, would like to learn more or join in as crew or skipper, contact our offshore convenor Geoff Herd.
Below is a Competitors Guide to get you started with information about RPNYC and our offshores.
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