Time to limber up for the upcoming summer offshore racing season with the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC). Go online now to view the Notice of Race and enter the event, which takes place annually on the last weekend of November.
Organised by the Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), the 49th running of the event will be held on 28 and 29 November 2026, providing a prime opportunity for sailors preparing for the 2026-2027 offshore season.
Matt Hayes, who launched his Italia 1298, Veloce, last year, described the SSORC as crucial to his training programme that includes the 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 identify strengths and weaknesses. We are definitely doing the SSORC again this year,” stated Hayes, an Olympian and long-time member of MHYC. He encouraged others to participate in this event.
The Saturday passage race will run in conjunction with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) Summer Short Offshore Series, starting off Steele Point at Vaucluse and finishing in Watsons Bay.
On Sunday, competitors will experience a mix of two short offshore windward/leeward races for the Premier and Performance Divisions, along with a combination inshore/offshore passage race for the Cruiser Racers. All racing will start and finish on Sydney Harbour at either Watsons Bay or The Sound.
MHYC Commodore, Rob Aldis, expressed optimism for a good turnout, anticipating competitive racing among SSORC regulars. He noted, “The Nautilus Marine Insurance SSORC is a great opportunity to iron out early season offshore wrinkles and stay ahead of others. We welcome boats from outside Sydney Harbour and interstate to join our event.”
For those seeking a challenge against diverse designs, the Seven Islands Race will be held in conjunction with the SSORC, featuring a pursuit-style start from MHYC.
The Official Presentation and Prize Giving for the SSORC will take place at 1700 hours on Sunday, 29 November at MHYC. Standard entries close on Wednesday, 25 November at 23:59 hours, making now the perfect time to register.
For the Notice of Race and online entry, please visit: www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au.
Di Pearson/MHYC media
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