Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2020: Two-handed boats cannot win overall
Sydney to Hobart officials have backflipped on a decision to allow two-handed yachts racing the famous Boxing Day event for the first time this year to be eligible to win the race overall.
NSW
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A late rule change means the new class of two-handed boats allowed to use auto-helms will no longer be eligible to win the Sydney to Hobart overall and the famed Tattersalls Cup.
The conducting club of the race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), has backflipped on an earlier rule allowing double-handers, racing in the Sydney to Hobart for the first time in 2020, to win one of the most prestigious pieces of silverware in world sailing.
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Concerns had been raised the two-handers held an unfair advantage by using auto-helm which regular yachts are banned form using in the annual race south.
CYCA Commodore Noel Cornish also said there was also concern about the different types and capabilities of auto-helms available.
“The sort of issues that come to mind is we feel we need to learn more around the handicapping systems and how the various authorities deal with various degrees of sophistication in auto helming,’’ Cornish said.
“As a club we were keen to embrace two-handed racing and thrilled with the though it is at the 2024 Olympics, and thought as a leading club we should be involved in it.
“With our enthusiasm we went one step too far and included them in the Tattersall Cup overall in race.
“We though more and decided to go back to the division. And make an amendment.’
In a statement, the CYCA said “further understanding needs to be gained regarding the full capacity of this technology and how it will be accommodated within current handicap rating systems.
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“As such, the Club will be amending the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Notice of Race to reflect that two-handed entrants will be scored within their own handicap category divisions and not be eligible to compete against fully crewed boats in divisions or for the overall race win,’’ the CYCA said.
Plans are forging ahead to run the race this year although it will be scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Originally published as Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2020: Two-handed boats cannot win overall
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