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  • Ten nations in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Ten nations in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Ten nations in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The arrival of four Russian sailors brings to ten the number of nations represented in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts next Thursday.

The arrival this week of four Russian sailors brings to ten the number of nations represented in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts next Thursday, 26 December.

 

Headed by Olympic sailor Goergy Shaiduko,  the Russians have chartered the Sydney 38,  Next,  which will race to Hobart as Polar Star.

 

Shaiduko will be co-skipper with the yacht’s co-owner Natasha Henley-Smith, who will be the only women skipper in the 630 nautical mile race.

 

Last minute action by the Federal Government has enabled the Russian crews to flew from Moscow; at least they are three days earlier than a similar crew who sailed in last year’s Hobart Race – they arrived on Christmas Day.

 

Other nations represented in the 2002 Sydney Hobart by crew,  in addition to Australia and Russia,  are Sweden, Great Britain,  the USA, New Zealand,  the Netherlands, Poland,  Belgium and France.

 

The fleet of 57 boats includes yachts on the register of overseas yacht clubs in Sweden,  New Zealand,  Great Britain,  the Netherland and the USA.

 

Charter arrangements and sponsorships have seen a number of late name changes to the yachts, including:

 

 

Magnavox – now Magnavox 2UE

Sting – now Fitness First Sting

Leopard of London – now Canon

Shockwave – now Alfa Romeo

Merit – now Merit Navigator

Next – now Polar Star

Obsession – now getaway-sailing,com

Formula 1 Sailing – now formulaonesailing.com