Brilliant conditions made for a fantastic weekend of racing at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship.

Perfect conditions set the scene for the 2024 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC). Staged by Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship took place over the weekend of 23-24 November. MHYC’s well-loved regatta celebrated its 47th anniversary in 2024 and was the first offshore hit-out this Sydney regatta season. Conditions simply could not have been better – with two days of sunshine and beautiful north-easterly sea breezes.

The regatta is a key part of Nautilus Marine Insurance’s partnership with MHYC, which also includes supporting the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta (set to take place 1-2 March 2025). “The Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship is one of the highlights of our partnership with MHYC,” says Nautilus Marine Insurance CEO Lyndon Turner. “It is a celebration of sailing with two days of close racing just off Sydney, and yacht owners and crew members enjoying their passion for being on the water with an enthusiasm that is so aligned with Nautilus Marine Insurance.”

The start of the regatta was a Saturday passage race from Steele Point in Vaucluse to Lion Island, north of Sydney. Two offshore windward/leeward races on the Sunday decided the divisional winners. The DK46 Nine Dragons took home the Division 1 title. “It was a good fleet in Division 1, with dramatically different types of yachts,” said Nine Dragons owner Bob Cox. “You could see the planing boats doing the job in the distance races while we were better on the windward/leewards.” It was incredible Cox could sail at all after breaking his neck and ribs just six months prior. “I love my sailing, and I’ve got a great crew who help me on and off the boat – and around it,” explained the tough 79-year-old. “It was rough, so I only had a couple of short stints at the helm. Thanks to the organisers, they did their usual good job.” Matt Wilkinson’s Farr 30, Foreign Affair, won Division 2. “I love the SSORC,” said Wilkinson. “You couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.”

Visit ssorc.mhyc.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA FRANCOLINI

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