The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) Great Veterans Race on 9 May is set to feature an impressive fleet including the legendary Halvorsen 36 masthead cutter, Solveig. This yacht is a significant part of Australia’s sailing history, having become the first to achieve Line Honours in 1953 and Overall victory in 1954 in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
More than 70 years later, Solveig remains in remarkable condition and will compete in Division 2 of the Great Veterans Race.
All participating boats were launched before 1996 and have previously raced in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The event features a pursuit start, with the fleet racing from Clark Island through Sydney Harbour to Sow and Pigs Reef, spanning several laps. This year’s race has garnered an impressive lineup of 30 entrants.
John Whitfield and his partner Annie Lawrence, the current custodians, purchased Solveig in 2019 from Bob Allen, who had restored the yacht after bringing it back to Australia from Hawaii. Whitfield has expressed their commitment to preserving the vessel’s heritage, stating that they would rather invest in the boat than material luxuries.
They last raced Solveig in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart, marking a significant moment as it was 67 years after her original victory. They aim to sail Solveig to Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in 2027.
Division 2 will see Solveig compete against her sister yacht, the Halvorsen 38 Anitra V. Notable entries also include the S&S 34 Western Morning and the Tasman Seabird, Maris.
The fleet will pay tribute to Gordon Ingate OAM, who recently passed at the age of 100. Competitors are invited to honour his memory and that of Bill Ratcliff by flying black ribbons from their rigging, available from CYCA Reception prior to the race.
Organisers encourage eligible yacht owners to participate in this memorable gathering, highlighting the privilege of sailing vessels that are part of Australia’s maritime heritage.
“We’re privileged to be on these boats, out on the harbour enjoying the conditions,” said Whitfield. “It is a privilege to be part of history. We’re very fortunate.”
Eligible vessels launched before 1996 can enter the race here.
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