The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) Great Veterans Race on 9 May is set to draw one of the most storied fleets ever to grace Sydney Harbour, headlined by the legendary Halvorsen 36 masthead cutter Solveig — a yacht whose name is woven into the fabric of Australia’s most iconic offshore race.
Solveig was built by Lars Halvorsen Sons in 1950 for Lars’ famous sons, Trygve and Magnus Halvorsen. Trygve, Magnus and their equally famous navigator, Stan Darling, first raced her to Hobart in 1950 for fifth overall, then sixth in 1951, and eighth in 1952. Solveig took line honours in 1953 for second overall and won the race in 1954.
The brothers sold Solveig in 1955 in Hawaii and she was returned to Sydney in 2017 by Bob Allan. The boat is now owned by Annie Lawrence, who has 15 Sydney Hobarts behind her – six as navigator. Lawrence and her skipper husband, John Whitfeld, have stripped Solveig back and returned her to offshore racing capability.
More than 70 years on, she remains in remarkable condition and will compete in Division 2 of this year’s Great Veterans Race.
Custodians of a Maritime Legend
John Whitfield and his partner Annie Lawrence became Solveig’s newest “custodians of the varnish brush” when they purchased the vessel from Bob Allen in 2019. Allen had repatriated the yacht to Australia from Hawaii in 2017, undertaking significant restoration work — a commitment Whitfield and Lawrence have proudly continued.
“We’d rather spend money on the boat than on a fancy car or something like that,” said Whitfield.
“We both have enormous pride in being associated with it. It’s a maritime heritage registered boat, so there’s an expectation that you don’t let it go to wrack and ruin.”
The pair, joined by six crew members, raced Solveig in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart — 67 years after her 1954 victory — completing the course in five days, 19 hours, 40 minutes and 45 seconds. Whitfield, a 31-time Sydney Hobart veteran, described it as a landmark occasion.
“It was a big moment because the Halvorsens have a lot of history in Australia and with the CYCA,” he said.
Today, Whitfield skippers and Lawrence navigates the Lyons 54 MWF Kayle in the Sydney Hobart, with plans to sail Solveig leisurely down to Hobart in early 2027 for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
About the Great Veterans Race
All boats entered in the Great Veterans Race were launched before 1996 and have competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The non-spinnaker race features a pursuit start, with the fleet racing from Clark Island through Sydney Harbour to the vicinity of Sow and Pigs Reef over several laps. This year’s event has attracted an impressive 30 entrants.
A Classic Division 2 Line-Up
In Division 2, Solveig will face her younger sister, the Halvorsen 38 Anitra V (Philip Brown), which also enjoyed Sydney Hobart success under the Halvorsen brothers. Other notable entries include the S&S 34 Western Morning (Anto Sweetapple), a 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart finisher, and Tiare Tomaszewski’s Tasman Seabird Maris — originally owned by Tomaszewski’s grandfather, Jack Earle, a founding father of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Tribute to Gordon Ingate OAM
The fleet will also carry a note of reflection. Gordon Ingate OAM, who was out sailing his Wally Ward-designed Jasnar just weeks before his passing, recently died at the age of 100 following a short illness. To honour Ingate and the late Bill Ratcliff for their significant contributions to the CYCA, competitors in the Great Veterans Race are invited to fly black ribbons from their rigging. Ribbons will be available from CYCA Reception prior to racing.
“If I could sail half as well as Gordon when I’m in my 90s, I’ll be very happy,” said Whitfield.
See: Vale Gordon Ingate OAM 29.3.1926 - 24.4.2026 - by Di Pearson
Entries Now Open
Boats launched before 1996 with a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race history are eligible to enter. Organisers encourage all eligible yacht owners to join what promises to be a rare and memorable gathering of vessels that form the very DNA of the Sydney Hobart.
“We’re privileged to be on these boats, out on the harbour enjoying the conditions,” said Whitfield. “It is a privilege to be part of history. We’re very fortunate.”
