Blue Water Classics – Portraits of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a book on Australia’s most famous blue water classic, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race that has become a best seller and collector’s item for anyone who has an interest in the race.
With its range of photos from Andrew Wilson and an amazing array of intimate portraits, including those of some of the legends of the race, including owners, crew, administrators and even the odd journalist. Backed by extensive interviews from journalist and Rolex Sydney Hobart media director, 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.
Some reviews:
Geoff Stagg – yacht designer and competitor
An extraordinary book on the history and characters of the Sydney Hobart Race, a must read for all sailors. The memories of 20 odd races with three retirements both good and bad, came flooding back thanks to the amazing photos throughout the book supported by great story telling.
My three wins with – 1980 Ceramco NZ line honours and handicap – 1985 Drakes Prayer, and yes, in spite of the fiasco I still count it – 1997 Beau Geste. Mix in several seconds overall, two line honours, a number of division wins, a Southern Cross Cup victory and the memories are well and truly shaken and stirred with this book.
The Sydney Hobart Race is, as I have been quoted, tougher than the Round the World Race and without a doubt the most challenging and toughest offshore race on the planet. For years we used the Race as our test tank for new designs and I would often tell Russ (Bowler) and Bruce (Farr) make sure the keel stays on and the rudder doesn’t break, I will take care of the rest.
A huge thanks to Andrew and Di for undertaking this monumental task with such a fantastic results. It makes me want to do it again!!
Paddy Broughton – owner Kialoa II
I’ve just opened my present! What a cracker. Now I know why Melinda wouldn’t let me buy or look at the book in the run up to Christmas! Can I buy another of the limited edition ones for Keith my brother? Are there any left??
Gary Appleby – owner of overall winner 1990, Sagacious V
Great piece of work on the world’s best ocean race by Andrew and Lady Di!!
Tracy Matthews – Immediate Past Commodore Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
It’s a beautiful book.
Gordon Bray AM – Sports commentator and author:
Stupendous! Andrew Wilson has crafted a unique level of intimacy. His lens captures the raw essence of the great race. Di Pearson’s storytelling and editorial expertise unlocks the fascination, emotion and sheer magic of our ultimate nautical adventure.
Lindy Boyd – daughter Peter Luke, CYCA co-founder
Di, your long term dream, now a wonderful reality! Your greatest gift, your love of sailing and the sea and to be the keeper of all things pertaining to the race, the past, present and future Sydney to Hobarts, all in your capable hands!
The photographs are just amazing, which both Monte and Dad would love. Congratulations: you and Andrew must be literally walking on air, a fabulous book, that will delight so many, can you imagine all the favourite watering holes, where sailors love to gather and to discuss all the characters, legends and history of the race!
Hoping your trip to Hobart was all you could wish for, from your grandmother’s house in Watsons Bay to my grandfather’s house across the harbour in Clifton Gardens, the beginnings of the Sydney to Hobart, post-World War 2, took shape, I don’t imagine anyone way back then would have imagined the race to grow and become the spectacle it now is!
Robyn Malcolm in Eden:
What can I say….the book is stunning. I picked it up a few hours ago, the dog has missed her walk, and I forgot to have dinner!
Congratulations to Andrew and Di, I think there will be many copies under Xmas trees this year.
Peter Dean, competitor and son of the late John Dean (Winston Churchill 1998):
Just want to thank you for the kind words about Dad and I in your new book. Mum gave it to me for Xmas and I haven’t put it down. What a fantastic book and an honour to be included in it. I will definitely do another race when Herman gets another boat!!!
Robyn Malcolm, Eden volunteer:
What can I say….the book is stunning. I picked it up, the dog has missed her walk, and I forgot to have dinner!
Congratulations to Andrew and Di, I think there will be many copies under Xmas trees this year.
To purchase Blue Water Classics: Portraits of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race:
Order your Standard or Limited edition book via the official website: https://bluewaterclassics.com.au/
Or you can go to Boat Books and book stores such as Dymocks, Angus & Robertson and others. Google ‘Blue Water Classics book’, for the outlet nearest you.
