Why Tasmanian teens Max Gluskie and Tim Vincent decided to make their Sydney to Hobart yacht race debuts

Two Tasmanian teenagers decided to make their Sydney-Hobart debuts in the 75th anniversary race. Here’s why.

AFTER years of hearing stories of Sydney to Hobart heroics and encounters at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, teenagers Max Gluskie and Tim Vincent could not wait to make their own memories in the great race.

They both turned 18 this year — the minimum age to be eligible for the 628 nautical mile blue water classic — and will make their debuts in the 75th Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race starting on Sydney Harbour on Thursday.

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Max and Tim will be the bow team aboard Hobart yacht Natelle Two, owned by Glen Roper and skippered by Roper’s daughter Laura.

Natelle Two. Picture: PETER WATSON

Natelle Two is one of 15 Tasmanian yachts in the anniversary race.

The pair, who grew up sailing Laser dinghies, including world and national championships, will taste hardcore offshore battles for the first time.

“I’ve always wanted to do one and when the opportunity came up, I did not hesitate,” Max said.

“I worked hard on the boat this year and got experienced enough to do that race.

“The amount of stories that people who have done it come out with, the experiences and the skill-gains, it’s a big thing.

“And to be able to say you’ve done one, you get that reputation — it’s pretty cool.”

Max Gluskie and Tim Vincent. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Tim is in it for the adventure.

“It’s going to be big, it’s going to be a different experience, and it’s just going to be fun and enjoyable,” he said.

“I couldn’t have found anyone better to do it with than these guys.”

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