The 2021 Sydney to Hobart will be Mike Pritchard’s valedictory race as owner and skipper of the mighty Cookson 50, Oskana. Racing on the boat this year, alongside Mike, will be new owner Paul McCartney.
After a major refit over the COVID months of 2020 and 2021, Mike and his loyal crew have not left anything to chance for his champion Cookson, overall winner of the 2013 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race when racing as "Victoire". Oskana will hit the starting line on Boxing Day for the 628 Nm race south with all systems go!
The Cookson revels upwind in the fresh to frightening wind range,; conditions that haven’t really been served up in Oskana’s previous Sydney to Hobart campaigns in 2017 and 2019, although, in 2017 a fresh North Easterly for much of the race saw them fly home with an elapsed time of just under 2 days and 2 hours, the fastest time ever by a Tasmanian yacht in a Sydney to Hobart at that time, ultimately finishing 23rd overall (IRC). In 2018, the Oskana team had a crack at the Melbourne to Hobart yacht race, comfortably winning line honours after a magnificent run down the wild west coast of Tasmania.
This year’s race will be a family affair when Mike's 18-year-old son Oliver joins the crew for his 1st Sydney to Hobart race. Joining Oli, also for his first Hobart race will be another 18-year-old, Charlie Goodfellow. Charlie will be having a crack at the race with his dad and well known Hobart sailor, Richard Goodfellow also aboard; together bringing plenty of enthusiasm and sailing skill to the campaign. Brothers, Geoff and Robb Tuck round out the family theme, together forming part of the 13 strong crew.
This year Mike will be looking to improve on his best performance in a Sydney to Hobart Race when in 2014, sailing his Beneteau First 45 ‘Audere’ he finished an excellent 8th overall (IRC) in a very competitive fleet. Conditions might just suit Oskana this year!
The Squadron wishes our members Mike Pritchard and Paul McCartney and the Oskana crew all the best for the 2021 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Race Website: https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/
Race Start: 26 December @ 13:00
Rolex Sydney Hobart I Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia I IRC Rating I Oskana
