We should all be embracing the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

As an Aussie amateur sailor, I feel compelled to rebut some of the key points that were raised against the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in the article that was published today in the Daily Mail, Aussies queue up on social media to slam the Sydney to Hobart race: 'It may be the most boring event in world sport'

For non Australians, the Sydney to Hobart is our annual Boxing Day yacht race that stretches from Sydney NSW to Hobart TAS and was currently underway, as per usual today, and broadcast nationally across our media.

For anyone that may sympathise with the sentiment cited by some in the aforementioned article - please consider some of my rebuttal below. There are many misconceptions about the sport that I'd love to explore.

The notion that yachting is a playground for the super-rich is a gross oversimplification and to dismiss the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as mundane is to ignore its rich cultural and historical significance and one of the common threads that tie all of us as humanity together. The race, for some, might seem as uneventful as test cricket does to me, yet it's essential to recognise the subjective nature of sports' appeal.?

Sailing is more than a sporting event; it's a celebration of human endurance, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of adventure. Like any sport, its appeal may vary from individual to individual, but its impact and the opportunities it presents, especially in a city like Sydney, are undeniable.

Most participants in yachting events, including the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Race, are not the affluent owners of the yachts but passionate sailors who see the sport as an avenue for personal growth and teamwork. For many yacht owners, these races are a form of marketing, offering exposure and branding opportunities akin to those in other major sports.

This year was my entry into the world of competitive sailing and I found myself in a welcoming community eager to embrace and coach new members that could prove they were eager to learn and commit to the challenges required.? This was at no financial cost to me.

Earlier this year while embarking on a Masters of Data Science at Sydney University, I sought a team sport to balance my intense mental workload. Having gone to boarding school in Sydney, I was aware of the sailing culture and set about joining a crew for the twilight series on Sydney Harbour - a series of weekly evening races hosted by a local club.? One of the boats I ended up crewing on was "Delinquent" which I was excited to learn was the identical model to the one used by then 16 year old Jessica Watson when she circumnavigated the globe solo.?

The yacht clubs in Sydney are filled with teams that value and actively seek out new crew members who are serious about the sport. My experience is a vivid example of how sailing in Sydney is a sport open to all, not just the privileged few. There are always numerous teams appreciative of additional hands on deck, especially those who are serious about becoming active, contributing team players.

Sailing is not just a sport but a discipline steeped in history and culture. It requires a deep understanding of various skills, reminiscent of the challenges we face in other aspects of life, such as learning to tie shoelaces or understanding complex data algorithms in my field of data science. The skills learned in sailing – from knot-tying to strategic thinking – are akin to lessons in engineering and critical thinking. These are invaluable in both personal and professional development.

During the Roman Empire and Biblical era it's estimated that there were a mind-blowing figure of 10,000 ships that were navigating the seas.? But extending far beyond that, and going back to our ancient indigenous forebears, we ought to pay homage to eons of remarkable seafaring traditions.?

These explorations, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, date back thousands of years and showcase an extraordinary testament to the human spirit and ingenuity. Indigenous peoples across various parts of the earth have long harnessed the power of the wind and seas. In the Pacific Islands, for instance, communities constructed sophisticated canoes capable of navigating vast oceanic distances, guided by the stars and an intimate understanding of natural cues. Their voyages across the Pacific are among the greatest feats of exploration in human history, undertaken long before the advent of modern navigation technology. Similarly, in the Arctic, the Inuit developed the kayak, a vessel perfectly adapted to their environment, enabling them to traverse icy waters with remarkable skill.?

The evidence of early sails and seafaring methods in these cultures points to a universal human connection with the sea, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. These ancient mariners, with their canoes and primitive sails, embarked on voyages driven by a combination of necessity, curiosity, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Their journeys were not just physical endeavours but also spiritual ones, deeply rooted in their cultural narratives and understanding of the world.?

Bringing this historical perspective to the contemporary context, events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race are more than just sporting competitions; they are modern expressions of an age-old human endeavour. This race, and sailing as a whole, symbolise the continuity of our ancestral legacy of exploration and discovery. It's a celebration of our enduring fascination with the seas, a tribute to the countless unnamed explorers who charted unknown waters in canoes and primitive vessels, and a reminder of our shared human heritage and the indomitable spirit that has always driven us to venture beyond the horizon.

This race, and yachting in general, offers a unique opportunity for personal development and adventure. It is a discipline that, while demanding dedication and time, is freely accessible to those willing to invest the effort.?

The skills and lessons learned on the water are directly transferable to various aspects of life, making sailing a holistic and enriching experience.?

As a Data Scientist, I found sailing to be not just a physical challenge, but also a mental one, requiring strategic thinking and problem-solving skills akin to those in my professional field.?

Finally, the environmental aspect of sailing is another point often overlooked in mainstream critiques. In today's climate-conscious world, where the impact of fossil fuels is a growing concern, sailing stands out as an eco-friendly sport. It relies on wind and water, the purest forms of renewable energy, requiring no powered vehicles. The sport embodies the essence of teamwork, grit, and seamanship. As an amateur sailor, I have come to appreciate the profound connection with nature that sailing offers, allowing one to traverse the globe powered solely by natural forces.

My experiences in sailing, especially participating in events like the Sydney Winter Series on "Delinquent," have profoundly shaped my understanding of this sport. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, far from being an elitist or mundane event, is a celebration of the human spirit, ingenuity, and our deep-rooted connection with the sea. It's a sport that embodies teamwork, environmental consciousness, and a rich cultural heritage, deserving of appreciation and recognition, especially in these times where #energy, #oil, #gas, #pollution, #sustainability, #COP28 and our broader #climate in general are all top of mind - seamanship is a value that should be cherished now more than ever.

This is me enjoying the Winter Twilight Series on Sydney Harbour Earlier this Year on the Yacht Chilly Bin