Outimage Publications - 2005 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

From December 26th, 2005.

Boss of the Big Boats?

Only time will tell . . .

Article By Wendy Moline, Photos By Peter Andrews.

December 16, 2005.

Looking for all the world like a giant futuristic fishing trawler, British entrant Hugo Boss has arrived to do battle for Rolex Sydney Hobart honours. She showed her style on Sydney Habour during the Big Boat Challenge on 13 December.

Hugo Boss on Sydney Harbour, December 12, 2005.

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Her unusual rig demonstrates that it's not just under the water that hi-tech developments are shaping the future of this blue water classic. It was fitting that Glenn Boss, triple Melbourne Cup winning jockey, was invited on board his namesake for this race which gave 16 other big boats over 60 ft a chance to fine tune racing skills in company with new super maxi's Alfa Romeo and Wild Oats.

Despite a collision at the start Hugo Boss went on to finish the race and is expected to improve as the crew shakes down and becomes used to the boat.

Formerly Sill, Hugo Boss was built in France in 1999. Keeping things simple and safe was the credo during the design stage. During her first four seasons of sailing, the monohull designed by the naval architect Marc Lombard, went through a series of modifications, which were to reveal her true potential. This is an important feature as the boat is used for training up and coming yachtsmen and also takes "paying passengers" racing.

Hugo Boss on Sydney Harbour for the Big Boat Challenge, December 13, 2005.

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Hugo Boss on Sydney Harbour, December 12, 2005.

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In perfect conditions for this showiest of show off days for Rolex Sydney Hobart competitors, the black and white hull, sails and spars could hardly have seemed less menacing. But watch out for the real racing to begin on Boxing Day!

British skipper Alex Thomson's competitive skills have been honed in events such as the 1998-99 Clipper Race when, at the age of 24, he became the youngest skipper ever to win a round the world race - and going the "wrong" way at that!

Hugo Boss on Sydney Harbour, December 12, 2005.

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A couple of years later Alex took line honours in the Round Britain and Ireland Race, was placed second in the 2002 Transat Jacques Varbre, and came a close third in the 2003 Défi Atlantique. During the latter race, Alex established yet another record, a new world speed record for solo monohulls, covering 468 miles in a 24 hour period at an average boat speed of 19.5 knots.

Nick Maloney, Alex's fellow Vendée Globe 2004-5 competitor, has just arrived in France after resuming his race on Skandia to effectively complete his first solo circumnavigation, after losing his keel off Brazil last year. Nick will join other Australian team mates, including Olympic silver medallist Simon Hiscocks, Hobart-born Team New Zealand sailmaker Dick Parker and renowned navigator and meteorologist Chris Tibbs.

Hugo Boss on Sydney Harbour during the Big Boat Challenge, December 13, 2005.

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Hugo Boss and Alex Thompson slip into Rushcutters Bay.

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