Jono

I was surprised that there wasn't more talk on this topic. A mate of mine in Oz has one which I've done a bit of sailing on. Rates 1.08 ish on IRC so reasonable for a cruiser racer. It isn't a boat to get up and boogie but is easy to keep moving. Good Bene features - ergonomics, easy to replace parts, dual use. Rig isn't too big so sail costs are contained. Requires rig maintenance. If you want to get super competitive the carbon rig and rebedded stanchions, plus a fixed bowsprit are usual add ons.

What Wal said. He's done a few. Rum race = beer can twilight. It will probably be a Christmas themed one and party at the bar afterwards. Ignore the pay to play thread and take a 6 pack. Recommend the Explore AC boats. A polished act. Plus not many people have experienced the power of these boats, and they sail them well. They may even be doing the rum race.

In NZ you bring your own lunch and beer. And usually replace the winch handle you threw overboard.

You could do a lot worse. Looks like good value for money, especially with the sea view and building amenities. About a 20 minute down hill walk to the Viaduct where the sailing and bar action is. Britomart is also good night life - around 15 min walk downhill to get there. Close to cool formal (CBD) and informal restaurants (Upper Queen St and K Road (Karangahape). View Metro top 50 restaurants . (sorry no link). Close to bus routes - the outer link is good for around town and has a stop on Wellesley St and Symonds St near you. Also look for City link for getting down to the waterfront. Transport is half price if you by an AT Hop Card and better than ride sharing. PM if needed

Had a run through the list. Not many under 1.000 Rating. Take 5 and Southern Myth for the most sailing? Hate to say it but the Corinthian / non Corinthian split isn't bringing in the adventurers. Maybe the racers want it that way?

Visited Hobart last week for work. Had an active programme so didn't get far past downtown and Battery Point (quick homage to the past at the Shippie) apart from the ferry trip to MONA. We took over the Custom House late on Friday night after they finished at Princes Wharf too early. Sorry to any locals - some couldn't cope but it was a fun time. Peter Davidson - he of the helicopter crew rescue of Stand Aside crew in 98 was one of the speakers at our conference. The footage still sends a shiver up the spine and he gave a great talk.

With 2 departures from the corridors of power, I understand someone did an article on what was happening. Anyone got a link?

So 100 days to go and 131 entries. What surprises me is the lack of the classic racers. Really only a few celebrating the occasion - Fidelis, Love and War, Mark Twain. Kialoa and Natelle are there but are regular/recent contestants. I was hoping a few more of the older big boats would be going to wind back the clock. I wonder why it hasn't caught the imagination like I thought it would? Stability? Cost? Motor power? Bow sprits? Will I have to wait for the 100th to really see a celebration of the Hobart races over the years?

Incredible looks a minter and Liquidator looks very "simple" down below. A good D54 Farr South is for sale in NZ for sale - KZ3225. Wanting offers on 19k NZ pesos.

When you've got 14 divisions for 234 boats everyone's a winner - but in reality the on shore has been as important as the racing for 2/3 of the boats forever. Back in the bad old days there was the 85 mile overnighter and then the rest day afterwards. That got canned. Then the split of w/Ls for the grand prix while the normal people went passage racing. It doesn't have to be crazy expensive, but if you can enjoy yourself, why not?

Upwind. Take Brindabella. You'll even have time for a roast

Is that why No Fearr hasn't sold?

Does Hobart sail twilights / rum races / WAGS equivalent in early October? I'm coming there for a work conference and hoping to sneak out on a Friday evening. Failing that, which bar is best?

get a room.... Which one was Grace O'Malley originally?

I was crewing with Chris Sayer in the NZ Mini. We dropped our rig. NZ doesn't have a minimum crew number in their NORs and SIs - or safety regulations. Therefore as long as you don't auto pilot you can compete as normal. If a double handed division is in place then you can auto pilot but are ineligible for overall prizes. I've done a number of normal races 2 and 3 handed over the years. Even did a twilight single handed when the crew all got "caught in traffic" and other excuses on a rainy day - that then became a beautiful evening.