This video was linked to on the cruisersforum this morning and is too good not to pass on. This is the start of a 135nm race. The entrants are sailing solo in a good breeze with a strong current in confined waters. The boat handling in most cases is exceptional. Interesting how some vessels are sailed with just a reefed main. A good example of hoving to. But mostly some seriously gutsy people tacking through the pylons and understanding the effects of current. The trimarans are not too bad either!

WOW!
Every skipper thought about their sail plan before they headed off and they all chose something different
I see that it is called the silverrudder race.
I would rename it the silverballs race.
As you say.Ramona. it has the lot.
Gary

hectic !! the skippers and crew of the large ships would be having a giggle and hoping all SV stay smart

Cripes that is insane........boats with self tacking jibs obviously the go - see the German yacht with 288 on bow which was going like the clappers.........wind must have been 40kts+ and the tidal current approaching 8kts or more? How do you get comprehensive insurance for a race like that...........

Amazingly, a few of us are trying to get a Silverudder type race going in Qld.
The main sailing clubs are not interested but the local shire councils have been approached.
Might happen next year.
If you read the history, it started and is promoted as mass participation event.
Like a fun run on water was the original idea
Minimum of rules no handicaps, any boat just emphasis on participation.
Entries now close the day they open and are capped at about 285.

One is on the beach pretending he is hove to. A number cut in front of the ship manoeuvring in confined channels, although it is hard to know how far they are from the ship.
I reckon they are insane and the ones cutting in front need a good reeming.

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MorningBird said..
One is on the beach pretending he is hove to. A number cut in front of the ship manoeuvring in confined channels, although it is hard to know how far they are from the ship.
I reckon they are insane and the ones cutting in front need a good reeming.

I think the focal length of the camera makes them appear closer than what they really are. Yes, the bloke hove to is probably one of many who run aground in this event apparently.


This is a quote from a local.
"This is a MAJOR racing event held every year on a known date with over 300 boats taking part. There are, if I'm not mistaken, five classes based on length, so getting them all away for a race that lasts anywhere from 15 hours for big boats to 25 hours for the smallest is a major organizational feat. Getting all classes away takes about half a day. The ferry authority is obviously involved in the planning and has no problem with the required modification to the ferry itinerary. The ferry turn-around at the terminals is about 15 minutes and the transit time terminal to terminal about an hour. So instead of picking on the race committee, let's doff our caps to them and the ferry skippers :-)"

looked a lot of fun

some close calls going under that bridge

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lydia said..
Amazingly, a few of us are trying to get a Silverudder type race going in Qld.
The main sailing clubs are not interested but the local shire councils have been approached.
Might happen next year.
If you read the history, it started and is promoted as mass participation event.
Like a fun run on water was the original idea
Minimum of rules no handicaps, any boat just emphasis on participation.
Entries now close the day they open and are capped at about 285.

Best of luck with that, if it works out ok can you try establishing one in Tassie? Hobart-Port Huon - Dover-return or Hobart - Norfolk Bay return?