Western Australia fielded two entries in this year’s race, though as usual there were several crew scattered around eastern states based boats. Both were from Royal Perth Yacht Club –
Simon Torvaldsen’s brand new JPK1180 Atomic Blonde (replacing his previous yacht of the same name) and Hilary Arthure’s Jeanneau Sunfast 3600 Wyuna.
Atomic Blonde did well to make it to the start line, with the boat being completed just in time to do its mandatory sea trials. An ordinary first section of the race, in seriously difficult conditions ranging from flat calms to knock-down squalls, was followed by a fine piece of endurance sailing by Simon and his crew, to finish the race in second place in Division 3 IRC, beaten only by the seasoned Victorian performer Patriot.
Hilary Arthure’s campaign was based around a burning desire to compete in the country’s most iconic yacht race – and to finish it. Wyuna was trucked to Sydney for the race and after finishing ninth in Division 4IRC, set off to return from Hobart to Fremantle under sail.
There were many Western Australians on other yachts, none more impressive than Kingsley Piesse, back on Bruce Taylor’s Chutzpah to complete his fortieth Sydney to Hobart race. Nick Davis and Mike Hughes sailed on Maritimo, Luke Payne on Celestial, David Gilmour on Moneypenny and Luke Parkinson on SHK Scallywag, so there was plenty of local interest in the event this time.
Photos:
Hilary Arthure and crew ready to leave for the start of the S2H
Simon Torvaldsen posing on his brand new Atomic Blonde at the CYCA
