Time to limber up for the upcoming summer offshore racing season and there is no better way than sailing in the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC), so go online now to view the Notice of Race and to enter the event held annually in its familiar slot on the last weekend in November.
Boudicca – Seven Islands 2025 – Andrea Francolini, MHYC
Organised by Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC) the 49th running of the event will be raced on 28 and 29 November, giving an opportunity for those looking ahead to the 2026-2027 offshore season.
Matt Hayes launched Veloce, his then new Italia 1298, last year and the SSORC was his debut offshore Championship.
Brand new Veloce’s debut was made at the SSORC last year – Andrea Francolini, MHYC
Hayes said the SSORC was crucial to the program, which included Veloce’s Rolex Sydney Hobart campaign.
“It’s a good hit-out, because of the timing of it. It’s good to test your boat and crew to find where your strengths and weaknesses are. We are definitely doing the SSORC again this year,” stated Hayes, an Olympian, world circumnavigator and 50-year member of MHYC.
“I absolutely encourage others to come and do this event,” he ended.
Saturday’s passage race is being held in conjunction with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) Summer Short Offshore Series and starts off Steele Point at Vaucluse and finishes in Watsons Bay.
Back 2 Black’s first race in Australia resulted in a win at the 2025 SSORC – Andrea Francolini, MHYC
To mix things up, on Sunday, competitors in the Premier and Performance Divisions will sail two short offshore windward/leeward races, while a combination inshore/offshore passage race is on the cards for the Cruiser Racers. All racing will start and finish on Sydney Harbour at either Watsons Bay or on The Sound.
MHYC Commodore, Rob Aldis said, “We’re expecting a good turnout. We’re also expecting more showdowns between SSORC regulars, with competitive racing and a great event for the enjoyment of all.”
“The Nautilus Marine Insurance SSORC is a great opportunity to iron out the early season offshore wrinkles and stay a step ahead of others.
“We are always happy to see boats from outside of Sydney Harbour and from interstate join our event with the ‘locals’ too,” ended the Commodore who will be on the start line with his Mylius 50, Daguet II.
Daguet and others quick off the start in 2025 – Andrea Francolini, MHYC
For those who prefer a challenge against a variety of designs in an exciting race around Sydney Harbour’s famous islands, the Seven Islands Race is held in conjunction with the SSORC. It features a pursuit style start from MHYC, where the race also finishes – first home best dressed!
The Official Presentation and Prize Giving for the SSORC will be held at 1700 hours on Sunday 29 November at MHYC.
Standard entries for the SSORC close on Wednesday 25 November at 23.59 hours, so no better time than to enter than now.
For Notice of Race and online entry please visit: mhyc.com.au/ssorc/
Di Pearson/MHYC media
