Blue Water Classics
Portraits of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
By Andrew Wilson, with Di Pearson
A new book on Australia’s famous blue water classic, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will become a collector’s item for anyone who has had any involvement in the race.
Photographer Andrew Wilson has put together an amazing array of intimate portraits of some of the absolute legends of the race, including owners, crew, administrators and even the odd journalist. Backed by extensive interviews and some excellent writing from journalist and race media manager Di Pearson, who probably knows more about the race than anyone else alive, this is a book that examines the people who make the race. It is not about the boats.
As David Kellett AM says in the foreword, “Andrew has covered all aspects of the race from the preparation to the finish and everything in between, including the personalities involved in the control of the race, the safe haven of Eden and the officers of the vital search and rescue organisations. A great insight into what goes on behind the scenes each year.”
If you have competed in the race, are planning to in the future, or if you just love great stories about people doing exceptional things under difficult conditions, then you will love this book.
It packs an enormous amount of content and some truly remarkable photographs into its 500 very large pages. It is a book you can take away on the boat over Christmas, to immerse yourself in the heroes, villains and folklore of the race for days on end.
You will probably find that you read it two or three times, to mine all the wonderful information Andrew and Di have so lovingly assembled.
Recommended retail is $59.99 and the book is on sale at bookshops or online at https://bluewaterclassics.com.au/.
– Roger McMillan, editor, www.mysailing.com.au.
What early reviewers are saying:
‘This is a rare book on the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, full of stories about the sailors – the women and men who participate and challenge the elements every year between Boxing Day and New Year. The underlying thread in all the stories has been the challenge, the skill, the seamanship and, most importantly, the comradeship – as well as, in some cases, the incredible story of survival.’ – David Kellett, AM, Australian yachting identity/yachting administrator/past winner of the J.H. Illingworth Trophy and Tattersall Cup
‘Andrew’s book makes us dream. A wonderful, pictorial coffee table book – on the greatest offshore race in the world. It’s the next best thing to sailing to Hobart! – Philippe Kahn, technology innovator/entrepreneur/international yachtsman
‘An extraordinary book. Amazing photos supported by great story telling. The Sydney Hobart is tougher than the Round the World Race and without a doubt the most challenging offshore race on the planet. A huge thanks to Andrew and Di for undertaking this monumental task with such a fantastic result.’ – Geoff Stagg, international yacht designer/elite yachtsman
‘Andrew Wilson’s wonderful book, ably assisted by Di Pearson, celebrates the real reason why this race is so well known. Sure, the boats are beautiful, but at the heart of the race are those who sail in it. They make the race, its culture and its history. This book is a celebration of a globally iconic event, but most importantly, of the men and women who don their wet weather gear and head out on pretty fragile vessels into a very big ocean.’ – Paul Clitheroe AM, past winner of the Tattersall Cup/financial advisor/television presenter.
Publication Details
Blue Water Classics is self-published by the author and will be available in all major book shops Australia-wide from November.
Hardback Edition RRP $59.99 incl GST
Deluxe Edition RRP $125 incl GST
Limited signed and numbered Deluxe Edition RRP$195 incl GST
Pre-orders available now at: bluewaterclassics.com.au or through your local book shop.
