Chutzpah

Chutzpah sailed in her favoured downwind conditions in the 2019 race but placed 50^th overall for fourth in Division 3 – it was not a year for the smaller boats; the weather played into the hands of the 50 plus footers.  In 2018 the Caprice 40 placed 16^th for Division 2 second.  Each year, owner Bruce Taylor makes an effort to compete in major races out of Sydney, as well as competing in Melbourne.  He hit the jackpot, winning the 2018 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race after placing eighth overall and third in Division 2 of the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart.  He was second in Division 2 in 2016, after placing 18^th overall in the 2015 Hobart, following a painful second to Wild Rose by a little under 39 minutes in 2014 – but he did win Division 2.  Other best Hobart results from this Chutzpah and her perennial crew were fourth in 2007 and fifth in 2013.

With various Chutzpahs, Taylor’s other best results were second overall in 1990 and second in IMS Division 3 in 1994 (371 boats raced), sixth overall in 2001.  Since 1986, he has owned six offshore Chutzpahs, clocking up 33 straight Hobarts and mainly scored divisional places.  Taylor and son Drew are the only father/son combination in history to sail 28 Hobarts together and are unlikely to ever be superseded.  For the first time, Drew, who lives in Hong Kong, is not able to join the crew this year.  Eight of the 10 tight-knit crew can boast 241 races between them – nearly all on Chutzpahs - a record of sorts.  Many would love to see these guys win the race.

Competitor Details