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  • Films that highlight the history of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Episode 4

Films that highlight the history of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Episode 4

Films that highlight the history of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Episode 4

This week we bring you part 1 of the 3 part documentary titled “50 Golden Years of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race” produced to celebrate the 50th race in 1994.

The 50th race still holds the record for the largest fleet - 371 starters with 309 finishes.

The first episode of the documentary runs for 21 minutes and is narrated by experienced yachting commentator, Rob Mundle.

The preamble runs through the discovery of the continent and the settlement of Tasmania and New South Wales.

There is wonderful movie tone news reel footage featuring images of the boats and competitors in the first race in 1945 together with interviews taken 50 years on with some of those identities.

Also featured in this episode is a look at the half models of the overall winners that are on display in Coasters Retreat, the members bar at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and a look at the evolution of boat design, sails, and building materials.

One of the highlights is an interview with Frank McNaulty who became the first person in the 1947 race to provide in race reports back to his editor at the Sunday Sun newspaper by using carrier pigeons.

Remember, If you can’t wait for the rest of the series to appear, feel free to visit CYCATV  where you’ll find archival films of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the entire back catalogue of Rolex Spirit of Yachting – Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from 2002 to 2013 plus other films and interviews which we think you will find interesting.

We hope you enjoy the 4th instalment (part 1 of 3), of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race historical film series as we build to the start of the 70th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.