1983 Race Recap

Lou Abrahams S&S 46 Challenge, Overall Winner in 1983

Hitachi Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race 1983

Race Program

Prior to each race Cruising Yacht Club of Australia publishes a separate official race program (with details of competing boats, the results of past races and articles about the race and its participants and other important events).  The 1983 Edition is here.    

Weather

A moderate easterly provided good close-reaching conditions to the Heads and out to the new sea mark. Thereafter the breeze swung to southeast and freshened, reaching 30 knots at times during the first 36 hours, taking its toll in retirements. With moderate seas the bulk of the fleet enjoyed hard working down to Green Cape. The breeze then freed to give fast reaching conditions across Bass Strait and becoming northerly to provide a fast run down the Tasmanian coast.

At Cape Raoul, the wind went light from the south and dropped right out close inshore, which saw a number of yachts becalmed between Tasman Island and the Cape. Light conditions prevailed for the reach across the Bay and made for slow and tedious work for most yachts down the River to the finish.

Race reports

After each race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's magazine Offshore contains photo galleries, reports and articles on the race.  Read on to access them.

March 1984 Offshore - see pages 15 to 22