Have you ever ever met a cat with sea legs? Or a cat that likes water even a bit bit? Meet Oli, a cat with a ardour for crusing.
Oli is making historical past. He’s the primary cat to participate within the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023.
Oli’s proprietor, Bob Williams, a former naval officer, is on the helm for his or her entry into this yr’s race. Bob has spent his life crusing world wide, and he likes to take loveable Oli with him. “I feel Oli fairly likes the boat life,” he shared in a latest interview.
Bob, alongside co-skipper Chris Warren, is presently collaborating within the race from Sydney, Australia to Hobart, Tasmania. The race began on Boxing Day (December 26), and they’re hoping to reach earlier than New 12 months’s Eve. You’ll be able to observe their progress on the race’s official web site.
They’re crusing on the oldest boat within the race, Sylph VI, a 40-foot (12-meter) yacht in-built 1960. Bob has sailed world wide 2.5 instances on this boat, together with a latest circumnavigation of the globe, which noticed him sail world wide in 193 days, cruising through all the nice capes. Sylph VI has sailed within the Sydney Hobart race six instances, however the final time was in 1972.
“She’s an older, heavier boat. We could be behind the fleet, however we’re simply right here to have enjoyable and take part,” stated Bob.
The competitors is open to smaller boats with two-handed skippers in addition to bigger tremendous yachts with as much as 24 crew. Over 100 yachts are collaborating within the race, which has been an Australian sporting custom because it began in 1945. With a racing distance of 630 nautical miles (1,170 km), it is among the world’s most difficult offshore yacht races with various circumstances presently of yr.
Better of luck to Bob, Chris, and Oli on their historic race.
