Sargisons Launceston to Hobart Race sets sail today

11:53 PM Sat 26 Dec 2009 GMT

'The starting line will be crowded when 35 yachts line up off Inspection Head wharf at Beauty Point for the start of the Launceston to Hobart race on Sunday.' Derwent Sailing Squadron Click Here to view large photo

The newest ocean race in Australian waters starts today with a fleet of 35 yachts setting sail in the third edition of the 285 nautical mile Sargisons Launceston to Hobart Race from Beauty Point on the Tamar River at 1.00pm.

Organised by the Derwent Sailing Club and the Tamar Yacht Club, the start from off Inspection Head wharf will give the public a close-up view of what should be a spectacular start.

Derwent Sailing Squadron

The weather is fine but overcast and only a light breeze is expected as the yachts sail down river to Low Head and into Bass Strait. From there they head east to Banks Strait and then down the East Coast to Tasman Island and
the finish in the River Derwent, again with only light seabreezes forecast.

Line honours favourites are the Hobart yachts Mr Kite and the Fork in the Road while Hobart yachtswoman Dianne Barkas will be a strong contender for overall handicap honours in her 38-footer, Sullivans Cove Whisky.

Graham McKibben packs a spinnaker on the lawn of the Tamar Yacht Club for David Taylor’s Pisces. - Peter Campbell &copy

The race will be a proving ground for several young Tasmanian sailors, including 15-year-old Josh Connor who will be sailing with his grandfather on Mojo Rising and 13-year-old Lucy Rees and 14-year-old Zoe Bak who will crew on Whistler with their fathers and other senior sailors.

by Peter Campbell

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Sargisons Launceston to Hobart Race sets sail today

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