Entries for the 2024 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC) to be held on the weekend of 23 and 24 November are flourishing across the board.
Craig Neil (Quest) and Gordon Ketelebey (Zen) were quick off the mark in signing their TP52’s up for the Super 50 division. Ketelebey finished second in the Premier IRC class in 2023, but this time will face-off against class mates, meaning tighter racing. Entries from Marcus Blackmore (with his latest Hooligan) and Mark Spring (Highly Sprung) followed.
“I did the SSORC a couple of years ago and I’m looking forward to doing it again,” Neil said. “There are more TPs coming too,” Neil said with his president of the Australian TP52 Sailing Association hat on.
“We haven’t done any windward/leeward racing since May, so the SSORC gives us a chance to get back into grand prix style racing again. We’re doing one day of windward/leewards and a passage race. That is the plan at the moment.
“That’s what most TP52 owners are interested in these days, windward/leewards. And they are exciting because the racing is so close – only seconds in it at mark roundings and the finish.”
The 47th running of SSORC, organised by Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), will be the final hit out for the TP52 circuit season in 2024: “Next is the TP52 Gold Cup series next year. It’ll be mostly windward/leeward racing with the odd 20 mile passage race thrown in,” Neil ended.
And while some of the usual supporters, Bob Cox (Nine Dragons), Ian Box (Toybox 2), Rob Aldis (Khaleesi) and Colin Gunn and Jack Stening (Gusto) got their entries in early for the Premier IRC and ORCi classes, so did a couple of ‘newbies’.
Peter Lowndes is bringing his Lyons 49, Wine Dark Sea, for the first time. The boat underwent some changes last year, including the installation of a new mast and being set up for double handed racing.
“We’ve been doing inshore racing and the Ocean Pointscore this year, as part of our long term goal to do the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart (the 80th running),” said Lowndes, who is a prolific sailor on the Sydney scene and Queensland, where Wine Dark Sea competes most years.
“I can’t remember if I’ve done the SSORC before, but certainly not with my own boat. I’ve sailed on other boats and we may have done it years ago… Our sailing calendar has been so busy over the years, it’s hard to remember it all!
“I’m always keen to take on a new regatta and new courses and race against a wider fleet. I’ll get that chance with the SSORC,” Lowndes ended.
Another familiar face in racing circles is Peter Sorensen. A versatile sailor across multiple classes from 16 foot skiffs to Sydney 38s and offshore racing yachts, ‘Sorro’ has opted for an Adams 10 this time. The former Eat My Shorts/Get It On, is now named Deep Philosophy, a play on his previous yachts’ names.
Last owned by formidable sailor, Garry Holt who leaves nothing to chance, the boat is perfectly set up.
The master of many classes, Sorro could finally meet his waterloo in the Adams 10 class, as it is rife with talented sailors. However, a mix of windward/leeward and a passage race may well suit Sorro and others of his calibre.
“The Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship is one of the highlights of our partnership with Middle Harbour Yacht Club,” said Nautilus Marine Insurance CEO Lyndon Turner.
“Two days of close racing just off Sydney. Yacht owners and crew members enjoying their passion for being on the water with an enthusiasm that is so aligned with Nautilus Marine Insurance. It is a celebration of sailing and a chance to share our insurance expertise directly with the regatta participants and Middle Harbour Yacht Club members.”
Spectators on the water and ashore will be treated to a spectacle as both day’s races will start and finish in Watsons Bay. Camp Cove and the walkway around the headland are perfect land viewing platforms.
Standard entries for NMISSORC close on Friday 15 November, so hurry. Late entries will be accepted up until Wednesday 20 November.
For entry and Notice of Race, please visit: www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au
Di Pearson/MHYC media
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