A huge congratulations to PBS client Edward Curry-Hyde, who with co-skipper Scott Robertson, achieved a remarkable 3rd overall Corinthian in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. A 5th in the highly competitive double-handed division (1st Corinthian) out of 23 starters is a fantastic achievement as this was the first Hobart race for both. Here’s a little insight from Edward with thanks.
“The whirlwind of social activities since arriving in Hobart has now settled and so I have a moment to now reflect on the journey you have played such a significant part in, and what a journey it has been.
Firstly, thank you for your generous sharing of experience and counsel. Your enthusiasm and support played a large part in helping me keep going with the dream when, at times, I wondered if sailing the Sydney to Hobart double handed only 12 months after a 43-year break from offshore racing was more than I could cope with.
Secondly, thank you for bringing me into the Sun Fast 3300 world. In my heart I am a skiff sailor, and when not on a skiff, a laser sailor. As such I could not ask for anything more from Toucan (because 2 can do this), my Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300.
Our experiences on this Hobart race reflected all of these qualities. The screaming 18-20kt reach on the first afternoon was one of the most exciting rides I have ever had. The seas were relatively flat, the sun was out and the winds building slowly. Where others were struggling to keep control of their boats and avoid broaches, Toucan’s double rudder set-up and form stability meant that all of our effort was concentrated on actively steering the boat to surf everything that looked like a wave. With each extended surf we would gain 5 or more boat lengths on our competitors.
As the first night and the potential for winds over 30kts approached, we decided to be cautious and dropped the spinnaker and reached with our reefable Medium/Heavy jib. We then progressively reefed the jib then the main as the winds built. Through all of this Toucan was beautifully balanced. We continued the wild surfs. With them came many moments when, on any other boat we would have lost control, we found we could bring her back from the brink and continue.
The second day brought the southerly change and some tough sailing into the wind. Out of a little too much caution perhaps, we went to our J5 and third reef ahead of the change. Our recent lessons on how to get the boat moving in short chop then came to the fore and Toucan, with an aggressive heel, powered beautifully through these conditions. It was a gruelling day and then night as we departed Green Cape and entered Bass Strait. By the morning the wind had swung to the west, the sun had come out and the seas were relatively flat. Perfect conditions for fast reaching.
The remainder of the race lived up to all the best images of offshore sailing as we raced down the Tasmanian coast to Tasman Island and then up the estuary to Hobart.
Looking back, I can see that we are only just scratching the surface of what my Sun Fast 3300, Toucan, is capable of. Her responsiveness to sail choices, to small tweaks in the trim and heel angle, and her ability to remain on track when it seems hell is about to break loose means we are currently limited only by our ability to sail the boat to its full potential. With the support of people like Billy Sykes at Norths, Adrienne Cahalan, and yourself, I am looking forward to learning how to reach that potential over the coming year.
Once again, thank you for getting me to this point.”
As for the other Jeanneau Sun Fast entries. Congratulations to PBS friend Jean-Pierre Ravanat from Hobart who, with his fully crewed Sun Fast 3300 Hip-Nautic, took 5th place in Division 5, just 25 seconds ahead of Toucan on corrected time after 4 days and an hour of racing!
Father and son duo Martin and John Cross had their race cut short when late on the first evening the mast went over the side. It now seems likely that the running backstay sheave stripped and so the runner suddenly released in a gust. At the time Martin was taking a rest down below with John steering and they say that Transcendence was revelling in the conditions with 2 reefs in the main and an A4 up surfing waves at speeds from 18 to 22 knots. They were lying in 2nd place at the time. A lesson for everyone is that Martin reports that they were very glad that they didn’t compromise on safety gear and had the biggest bolt cutters that they were able to buy. As a result, they were able to get the mess tidied up fairly quickly and motor the 22 miles to Shell Harbour to rest and further secure everything for the delivery back to Pittwater. A big shoutout to Jeanneau owner Ken Barnard, a Shell Harbour local, who came and met with them at first light with fresh coffee and a key to the shower block. As Martin says, “You have to love the Jeanneau community.”
PBS sponsored Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 entry Gizmo made the difficult decision to withdraw a day and a half in when co-skipper Meg fell ill, and they wisely decided that heading across Bass Strait severely physically handicapped was not a wise choice. Despite this Wendy and Meg were in 5th place at the time and had managed the first night well. Thanks to owner Rob Drury for making his yacht available to them.
I know that I speak for the entire sailing community when I send our condolences to the family and friends of those two sailors whose lives were lost during this year’s race. Rest in Peace.
Lee Condell