As overall numbers for the multi-club run Sydney Harbour Regatta pass the 150 mark, Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s sailing office is busy responding to requests from subgroups within the larger fleet, and tweaking the on-water program.

Above: SHR start_credit Matt King Photo_A11I2498

Amendments to the Notice of Race posted here enable the Sydney 36 and Super 12 divisions to enjoy one day of harbour passage races and one day of inshore windward-leeward racing over the weekend of March 7-8.

The Echo Course area, delivered by Manly Yacht Club with support from MHYC, is anticipating a big increase in numbers with the RSYS fleet joining yachts from the other clubs. MHYC sailing manager David Staley says, “We could potentially see 90 boats on this course across four divisions, and the RSYS entries could push our total fleet number close to the magic 200 – we will see.”

Host club MHYC and the eight leading Sydney yacht clubs that assist with the colossal race management operation welcome Sydney Harbour Regatta newcomers while recognising mainstays such as Russell Waddy and his Bavaria 40s AllSail Dancing Star. Waddy and his team have scored podium finishes in Performance Class Non-Spinnaker Division for the past five years, including three brilliant wins.

RANSA run the Non-Spinnaker Foxtrot course area of the inner harbour each year, an option popular with crews who enjoy the regatta experience without the stress of getting kites up and down.

The IRC optimised King 40, Soozl, enjoyed a very successful racing career on the American circuit. Now Australian based owners Kieran and Elizabeth Mulcahy are steadily building a team to impress at national regattas and races of note. Next stop for the campaign is Sydney Harbour Regatta Open Class division 1.

“I’ve done a Sydney Harbour Regatta before. I find it’s well run and gets me to the harbour and linked up with another group of racing boats,” Pittwater based owner/skipper Kieran said.

Soozl arrived in the country in November 2019, in time to take out division 2 of MHYC’s Sydney Short Ocean Championship then contest the 75^th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and Australian Yachting Championship, collecting a fourth and third in division respectively.

Mulcahy’s early impression of his purchase, Mark Mills’ earlier generation design to Gerry Hatton’s Mat 1245 Bushranger is, “The boat is a quiet beast. I think it’s got lots of potential; I need to complement that potential with the right crew, which we are working through. The boat’s ruffling some feathers.”

The grand prize draw is now online and includes an Air New Zealand/Stamford Plaza Auckland/Helly Hansen package that will go to one lucky divisional winner across the combined fleet. All second-placed owners will be in the draw for a Coral Sea Marina Resort/Helly Hansen prize pack and third placegetters will be in the running for a Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens/Helly Hansen prize pack.

Above: AllSail Dancing Star (sail no. 7788) SHR_credit Andrea Francolini

Eligible prize winners must attend the final trophy presentation at MHYC from 1800hrs on Monday March 9.

As an added entry inducement, the club and Mercedes-Benz North Shore will offer a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle for the weekend and accommodation on the shores of Lake Macquarie. All entrants in the Sydney Harbour Regatta are eligible for this prize, which will be drawn on Saturday March 7 and announced at the prizegiving on March 9.

Standard entry for the 15^th edition of Sydney Harbour Regatta applies until 11.59hrs on March 2 and thereafter a late entry fee will apply. Online entry here.

Key sponsors for Sydney Harbour Regatta’s 15^th edition include Helly Hansen, Air New Zealand and Robert Oatley Wines. Supporting sponsors are Club Marine, Coral Sea Marina Resort, Stamford Plaza Auckland, Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, Vittoria Coffee, Fisherman’s Friend, KeySun Zinke, ANTAL and the host club welcomes new supporter, Mercedes-Benz North Shore.

How to follow the Sydney Harbour Regatta:

Sydney Harbour Regatta website https://shr.mhyc.com.au/

Facebook: @SydneyHarbourRegatta

Instagram: sydneyharbourregatta