The Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race has been given a forecast of mostly downwind.
The crew of URM Group, a Reichel/Pugh 72, are looking forward to this forecast coming true.
Owned by Anthony & David Johnston, URM Group will have, as part of its crew, 2 more brothers of theirs, uniting all 4 as part of the race.
Meanwhile, Whisper‘s skipper, David Griffith, isn’t as keen on the downwind forecast but says his crew & Whisper, a JV62, have got what it takes.
Photograph: Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race/Ashley Dart
URM Group & Whisper are considered contenders of the International Rating Certificate handicap category, the most popular handicap category & the category whose winner is awarded The George Adams Tattersall Cup.
A major update of the weather forecast will be made on the 24th of December (Christmas Eve) at 9am when a compulsory race briefing is held for all crew members of the non-virtual race.
Meanwhile, another yacht has withdrawn bringing the fleet to 105 yachts. The yacht that withdrew was Ariel.
We’ve done a couple of boat modifications that should improve our downwind performance.
Anthony Johnston, ‘URM Group’ Skipper
I think it’s a very hot fleet. We personally prefer more shifty, dodgy sort of weather to sneak around a few of the boats but we’re feeling pretty good. The boat’s done amazing things. It’s a strong boat & we hope we’ll get through without any problems.
David Griffith, ‘Whisper’ Skipper
Sydney Spectaculars 