Chutzpah

After 34 attempts, Bruce Taylor came oh so close again, finishing last year’s 70th edition Sydney Hobart 2nd overall to Wild Rose, by just under 39 minutes. He also won Division 2, while nearest division rival, Celestial, was 11th overall, showing how well the boat was sailed. The Caprice 40’s other best overall Hobart results were fourth 2007 and fifth in 2013. With previous Chutzpahs, Taylor’s best results were second in IMS Division 3 in 1994 (371 boats were entered), 6th overall in 2001, 5th in 2002 and 3rd in IRC and 4th in IMS in 2003, plus a host of divisional wins and places. From 1980 to 1984, Taylor sailed the Hobart as crew for other owners. He missed 1985, but since 1986, has owned six yachts bearing the name Chutzpah, and has not missed a single Hobart since – that’s 29 straight.

This will be Taylor’s 35th race south, and son Drew’s 24^th. The Victorian dentist’s sailing ambition is to win the Rolex Sydney Hobart and there will be a few fingers crossed for him again this year. His crew is a solid core who have sailed with Taylor throughout, and have serious Hobart cred - four have notched up 25 races plus, and Drew is nearing the mark.  

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