Pittwater to Pittwater Race Underway

January 2nd, 2008

Wild Joe - Photo Source

The recent battering of horrid weather has etched its way into the history books with the announcement that the annual Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race coping a course change resulting in the inaugural Pittwater to Pittwater Race.

It’s an absolute shame that conditions are causing the unprecident change with some crews opting to ditch the race altogether and make their way to Coffs by plane to enjoy a holiday with their awaiting families.

The decision is never easy for committees to make in these circumstances, however the safety of the competitors and yachts is paramount, with no second questioning on the decision.

Now we aren’t stupid. Obviously the decision was made due to conditions that could be experienced with actually gaining access to the marina at Coffs Harbour. Yachts need to sail between Mutton Bird Island and a man made break wall in order to berth, and conditions through this narrow entrance have been known to not only batter and bruise many a yacht, but also smashed them to smitherines…

But has this change of course for an offshore race set a predicent for other offshore events? Would the Sydney to Hobart potentially become the Sydney to Sydney if conditions were that bad?

What about the Sydney to Gold Coast and Sydney to Southport races? Another two races that could potentially become the Sydney to Sydney… (It’s not all about Sydney!)