| SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA-(25-12-2003) One of the features of the Sydney Hobart Races over the years is that it has introduced sailing dynasties to Australian ocean racing. Fathers brought their sons to the race, and they in turn have introduced their sons. And sometimes it has been fathers and daughters.
The “exhilaration”, camaraderie and the complete trust between crew on board a yacht off shore are probably some of the elements that attract families to sail together. These features can also bring family together and this year will see eight of the 57 boats heading south will have family combinations on board.
George Snow’s is taking his two sons and youngest daughter to Hobart this year on Brindabella. This will be Tamsin Snow’s first Rolex Sydney Hobart and she can’t wait.
While Brindabella has four family members, Team Lexus boasts five. Rupert Henry, a former dinghy champion, and his father David Henry are sailing with Rob Howard and his two sons, Will and Richard Howard. And all five are related by marriage.
David Henry has competed in a total of seven Sydney Hobart Races and Rob Howard has twice that figure to that name. Rupert Henry (son of David Henry) won the 420 and 470 Laser events in the early 90s.
Will Howard (20 years), the youngest on board, is an experienced ocean sailor and helmsman having done two Sydney Hobart Races previously.
22-year-old Richard Howard is an accomplished Laser Radial sailor having won the Class’ event for the past two years.
The team started training in September 2003 and is hoping for a divisional win in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
While there is a trend towards father and kids sailing, husband and wife combinations are also represented. There is the “super-combo” of Lisa and Neal McDonald on board Yendys. Both competed in last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Race and also the 2002 Volvo Ocean Race.
Jim and Mary Holley on board Aurora, are another husband and wife combination. Jim has done 15 Sydney Hobart Races to date. Mary used to sail socially and through Jim decided to give the Sydney Hobart a go and now has six under her belt. They have been training two nights a week around Newcastle Harbour and on Fridays they sail off shore. Mary Holley describes her husband, Jim, as a “stable character”, one who is “calm and a good personality to sail with”. She says they have a special relationship and sums up Aurora as “a happy boat”.
The Aurora crew also has a father and son combination, Mark and Joel Skelton. This time it is Joel, who is 20, who is introducing his father to the ocean classic. Joel completed the Rolex Sydney Hobart last year, while Mark, who has experience as a dinghy sailor; this will be his first time to Hobart.
While most families tend to stick on the same boat, Jan Howard, wife of Rob Howard of Team Lexus, will be on board Aurora.
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