The 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is drawing attention not just for its competitive spirit but also for the varied strategies and preparations of its participants. Among them are co-skippers Saskia Groen-In’t-Woud and Maud Demazure, who are taking on the race with the dual purpose of qualifying for the upcoming Melbourne to Osaka event and testing their equipment. "We’re also using it to test equipment," shared Demazure, who hails from France and has settled on the NSW South Coast.
The duo is managing to make the most of their 51-year-old boat, Celeste, which is famously known as an S&S Nautor Swan 38. "It’s still the original, with an original mast," Groen-In’t-Woud proudly noted. For someone of Dutch descent, raised in Gladstone, the boat embodies resilience and tradition. They have made minimal updates, primarily to the comfort of the cushions, choosing to embrace traditional sailing techniques. "Of course we have the required technology for safety purposes, but we use a sextant for navigation," she added.
Though both races are prestigious, Groen-In’t-Woud explained how they differ significantly: "The Sydney to Hobart is a sprint, over 628 nautical miles, whereas Osaka is a blue water event held over 5,500 nautical miles.” She was clear on their goals for this race: "We are not here to win the Sydney to Hobart, but to get more miles under our belts. But we still want to push ourselves to be as good as we can be.”
A major aspect of their expedition also highlights the importance of women’s health. They are associated with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, working to raise awareness and support around various health issues. “It’s important for us to integrate this cause as we sail,” Demazure remarked.
But the race isn’t just about the sailors; it's also notoriously known for its unpredictable environmental challenges, particularly from weather and marine life. The 2024 race is anticipated to kick off with sparkling conditions on Sydney Harbour. Yet, seasoned racers know how quickly those conditions can change, especially when cold fronts push through Bass Strait, notoriously making the waters treacherous. Past races have shown how dangerous weather can be, with the 1998 race reminding many of the risky nature of ocean racing.
Adding to the risks of the race are sunfish, known for posing serious threats. These creatures, otherwise overlooked, can be fatal for yachts. They can weigh over one tonne and are often found sunbathing on the sea surface. Reports from previous Sydney to Hobart races warn of their menace. For example, during the 2022 race, the 40-foot yacht Huntress was abandoned after its rudder was sheared off, supposedly by one of these sun monsters as some skippers have described. "Geez, it was violent," one captain recounted, reflecting on the violent encounters with these large fish.
Every year, collisions with sunfish prompt several early race retirements. One sailor even remarked, "It’s a sun monster, not a fish,” capturing the collective frustration of the sailors encountering these ancient beings of the sea. This unexpected hazard serves to remind all competitors of the unpredictable beauty of maritime racing.
Beyond the dangers of sunfish and sudden weather shifts, the community spirit and camaraderie among participants keep the race vibrant. Sailors from all walks of life, like Groen-In’t-Woud and Demazure, share their skills and passions for the sport, all the same facing the uncertainty of the sea. And as this year’s race approaches, one cannot help but feel the excitement and anticipation building among the competitors as they prepare to tackle the legendary route.
With every twist and turn of the race, experiences like Groen-In’t-Woud and Demazure's showcase the melding of ambition, awareness, and adventure. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is more than just about finishing; it’s about the stories crafted along the way, the challenges faced at sea, and the impact made on land.
