Wednesday, 19 December 2012

The search for relevancy

Having dived into this project with no particular qualifications to pass judgement on anything, I find myself overwhelmed with quality reporting and numerous articles per day covering the anticipation for this years race. 

So I think, for the sake of not looking foolish, and for delivering you something of value, perhaps I will turn my commentary into a news editorial, as there remains a lot of duplication in my news aggregator and others seem to be able to report better than I can.  By reviewing the articles and highlighting the finest, I believe I can contribute something of value and get you back to your holidays quicker!


Line Honours Hopefuls


Wild Oats XI 

Wild Oats XI yesterday announced modifications to the boat to ensure that history does not repeat itself in this years race.  New sails and America's Cup technology, very aggressive:
Wild Oats XI unveils secret weapons

Wild Thing

Line honours hopeful Wild Thing has undergone a growth spurt, from 98 ft to 100 ft, in a move they hope will make the boat "90 minutes faster over the Sydney to Hobart course":
Supermaxi Wild Thing has a growth spurt

In a similar move, Wild Thing owner Grant Wharington has announced they are expecting delivery of "the same downwind sails that they've [Wild Oats, Loyal] [have] got":
New sails make Wild Thing a threat




Overall (Handicap) Race

The owner and skipper of last year's race winner, Loki, has announced he has put the boat up for sale, as he is intending to take a long break from the sport:
Loki's owner looking to go out on a high

Weather

Looks like the race record is off the cards this year if forecaster Roger "Clouds" Badham is correct with his prediction of southerlies.  At this point PredictWind's automated prediction is not dissimilar with an expected ETA of just over two days:
Strong southerly winds forecast for Sydney to Hobart


Other News


The fleet has dropped by one after the unfortunate withdrawal of Dodo:
Rolex Sydney Hobart Fleet now stands at 77

My favourite underdog team is back for 2012.  Go Sailors with disABILITIES!:
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2012 – Sailors with disabilities make return


 - Evan

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