The fleet is preparing for this years "rockin & roll " to Hobart.
I feel this race has become a bit more pumped up with commercialization, but feel that it has lost a whole division of boats in the race to satisfy the "mega wallets".
Back in the 70's & 80's, there was a very strong Division of 30 footers. Boats like the Currawong 30, East Coast 31, Plum Crazy, Endeavour 30 etc, made up the back end of the fleet, but were happy to spend more time at sea, but enjoy the comradeship.
This year I struggled to find boats entered smaller than the Sydney 38. Sailors like Sean Langman (sp) have shown the spirit, that may be missing now ?.
Water Ballast, engine driven winches, 30 metre long boats etc, mmmmmmmmm to me it seems they opened the front door to allow these "technology advances" and at the same time, drop kicked the tenacious small boats out the back door.
I feel this race has become a bit more pumped up with commercialization, but feel that it has lost a whole division of boats in the race to satisfy the "mega wallets".
Back in the 70's & 80's, there was a very strong Division of 30 footers. Boats like the Currawong 30, East Coast 31, Plum Crazy, Endeavour 30 etc, made up the back end of the fleet, but were happy to spend more time at sea, but enjoy the comradeship.
This year I struggled to find boats entered smaller than the Sydney 38. Sailors like Sean Langman (sp) have shown the spirit, that may be missing now ?.
Water Ballast, engine driven winches, 30 metre long boats etc, mmmmmmmmm to me it seems they opened the front door to allow these "technology advances" and at the same time, drop kicked the tenacious small boats out the back door.