A new coffee table book ‘Blue Water Classics: Portraits of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race’ by Andrew Wilson, author of the much-loved series ‘Old Sea Dogs of Tasmania’, in collaboration with journalist and Sydney Hobart Media Director Di Pearson, is due for release this November.

The 520-page book takes readers behind the scenes via a vast array of intimate and drama-filled interviews with some of the legends of the race, inclusive of owners, competitors, officials, search and rescue personal and more. The interviews are interspersed by Pearson’s personal accounts from her 30 plus years involvement in a sporting event watched by millions every year.

Combined, these ocean racing escapades encapsulate the Sydney Hobart’s line honours and overall winning victories, the near misses, disputes, rivalries and emotive accounts of the tragic storm ravaged years synonymous with this iconic race. All are illustrated by over 400 portraits and seascapes captured by Wilson during the four years he documented the race.

Each photo captures the salt encrusted faces of yachties and breathtaking scenery from the start on Sydney Harbour to rounding Tasman Island, sailing in Storm Bay and finishing under the mountain in Hobart to cheering crowds.

What early reviewers are saying:

‘This is a rare book on the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, full of stories about the sailors - the women and men who participate and challenge the elements every year between Boxing Day and New Year. The underlying thread in all the stories has been the challenge, the skill, the seamanship and, most importantly, the comradeship - as well as, in some cases, the incredible story of survival.’ – David Kellett, AM, Australian yachting identity/yachting administrator/past winner of the J.H. Illingworth Trophy and Tattersall Cup

‘Andrew’s book makes us dream. A wonderful, pictorial coffee table book – on the greatest offshore race in the world. It’s the next best thing to sailing to Hobart! – Philippe Kahn, technology innovator/entrepreneur/international yachtsman

‘An extraordinary book. Amazing photos supported by great story telling. The Sydney Hobart is tougher than the Round the World Race and without a doubt the most challenging offshore race on the planet. A huge thanks to Andrew and Di for undertaking this monumental task with such a fantastic result.’ – Geoff Stagg, international yacht designer/elite yachtsman

‘Andrew Wilson’s wonderful book, ably assisted by Di Pearson, celebrates the real reason why this race is so well known. Sure, the boats are beautiful, but at the heart of the race are those who sail in it. They make the race, its culture and its history. This book is a celebration of a globally iconic event, but most importantly, of the men and women who don their wet weather gear and head out on pretty fragile vessels into a very big ocean.’ – Paul Clitheroe AM, past winner of the Tattersall Cup/financial advisor/television presenter

Publication Details

Blue Water Classics is self-published by the author and will be available in all major book shops Australia-wide from November.

Hardback Edition RRP $59.99 incl GST
Deluxe Edition RRP $125 incl GST
Limited signed and numbered Deluxe Edition RRP$195 incl GST

Pre-orders available now at: bluewaterclassics.com.au or through your local book shop.