February 2 - 8, 2020: Issue 436

 

MHYC's Anniversary Sydney Harbour Regatta open for business

Breeze on for TP52 Hooligan at Sydney Harbour Regatta - photo by Andrea Francolini

In 2020, Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s longstanding Sydney Harbour Regatta celebrates 15 years as Sydney’s premier keelboat series across the weekend of March 7-8.

The Notice of Race is available here and online entry here. In all but one of the six racing categories on offer the starting list began to fill as soon as entries opened. 

Organisers anticipate another huge fleet of more than 180 boats from a broad range of one-design classes plus mixed keelboats, offering opportunities for serious campaigners and enthusiastic club racers alike.

MHYC Special Events Chairman Ian Box says, “Sydney Harbour Regatta is in the sailing calendar of all the Sydney and surrounding clubs. It’s a collaborative effort and that is the hallmark of the event, and the reason for its continued success. Owners like it because it creates an opportunity for club racers to compete in a broader fleet, well beyond their usual club program.”

Sydney Harbour will be the venue for the majority of racing and the bigger boats in the TP52 and IRC divisions will head offshore for breathing space. Seven course areas provide room between the divisions and the regular harbour transport services and recreational boaters who enjoy the internationally recognised waterway on the weekend.

The J70 class will stage their NSW Championship under the regatta umbrella and a new addition to the program is an Interclub Teams Event in the Performance Spinnaker Divisions.


Mixed SHR fleets  - photo by Matt King

MHYC acknowledges the event’s success is due to the continued assistance of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Manly Yacht Club, RANSA, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club and the Sydney Flying Squadron. Denis Thompson is once again Principal Race Officer and a national jury will be appointed to officiate. 

MHYC encourages competitors to be part of the great social atmosphere, including live entertainment, back at the club each day after racing.  

Key sponsors for the Sydney Harbour Regatta’s 15th edition include Helly Hansen, Air New Zealand & Robert Oatley Wines.  Supporting sponsors are Club Marine, Coral Seas Resort, Vittoria Coffee, Fisherman’s Friend and KeySun Zinke. 

by Lisa Ratcliff

2018 Sydney Harbour Regatta upwind beat - photo by Andrea Francolini