O Captain! My Captain! The Rolex Sydney Hobart Is Not For Me (as a captain)

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There are two things I am sure of in life: Phil Jackson is the greatest NBA coach ever, and I will never captain a sailboat that wins the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in Australia.

The former needs no explaining–I mean Mr. Jackson has got a championship ring for each finger and four toes. The later, though, I think deserves a little explanation.

After spending a year on our 27-foot sloop, the Lucky Lady, I realized that sailing in the open ocean was much more difficult than I ever imagined. The ocean can be a nasty place at times and being on a boat, even one the size of three Lucky Ladies, during a storm is like being a rubber ducky in a 5-year-old boy’s bath. It’s a place that demands respect, knowledge and confidence, and I am a big enough man to admit that sailing a boat in a grueling multiple day race is well beyond my limits. With that said, I would love to be a crew member in one of these great races, and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is no exception.

This year marks the 66th anniversary of the storied race from Sydney Harbor through Derwent River in Hobart. Starting on Boxing Day (Dec. 26), the race covers 630 nautical miles and draws yachts ranging in size between 30 to 90 feet, which are comprised of weekend yacht club sailors as well as professional racers. Last year, the top finisher–Wild Oats XI–completed the run in 55 hours; though, the winners are not officially announced until Dec. 31 at Constitution Dock in Hobart.

The blue water yacht race is considered one of the most popular yachting events in the world, garnering as much public attention as the Melbourne Cup (horse race), the Davis Cup (tennis) and the cricket matches between Australia and England. Due to the races popularity, Sydney hotels and Hobart hotels can fill up quickly, so if you do plan on attending the Rolex Sydney Hobart its best to book ahead of time.

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*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!