The Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC), scheduled for the weekend of 28 and 29 November, is expected to present strong competition as last year’s winners return to defend their titles while others aim for victory.
This year marks the 49th running of the SSORC, drawing a diverse range of boats to the starting line each year. Among the anticipated front runners for 2026 are Sean Langman’s GP42, Back 2 Black, and Bob Cox’s DK46, Nine Dragons, along with Division 2 champion from 2025, Neil Padden, sailing his Beneteau First 40.7, Wailea.
The competition features a variety of yacht designs, but the handicap system ensures fair racing at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC) organized event. Back 2 Black is gearing up for Langman’s 35th attempt at the Rolex Sydney Hobart, having acquired the yacht in Europe last year and representing the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup. Following modifications after the Sydney Hobart, including new appendages and cockpit layout changes, Langman’s crew achieved victory in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast race earlier this year.
Bob Cox, who previously won Division 1 for four consecutive years, finished second last year and is eager to compete again at age 81, supported by his dedicated crew. Neil Padden is also eager to defend his title, expressing the determination of his crew to perform at their best in the competition. Padden has a long history with the SSORC and appreciates the format of both passage races and windward/leeward races, emphasizing the enjoyable and competitive nature of the event.
Other competitors making their presence felt include Division 2’s third place finisher from 2025, Matt Wilkinson’s Farr 30, Foreign Affair, along with Robert Carr’s Summit King 40, Jambo, Ian Box’s XP44, Toybox 2, Mark Griffith’s DK46, LCE Old School Racing, and Edward Cox’s Ker 40 Minerva.
The passage race on Saturday will coincide with the CYCA’s Summer Short Offshore Series, while Sunday will feature two short offshore windward/leeward races for the Premier and Performance Divisions, alongside a combination inshore/offshore passage race for the Cruiser Racers.
In association with the SSORC, the Seven Islands Race will take place in a pursuit style format, taking the fleet from MHYC to various islands around Sydney Harbour before returning to the club. Brian Lees, owner of the Adams 10, Contentious, has participated in this race numerous times, finishing second last year.
Lees enjoys the scenic route and the tactical challenges of the race, recalling his early sailing experiences in the area. The varied conditions and the need to navigate around ferries and cruise boats add excitement to the event, making it a highlight for participants.
Standard entries for the SSORC close on Wednesday, 25 November at 23:59 hours, so interested participants are encouraged to register now. For Notice of Race and online entry please visit: www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au
Source: Di Pearson/MHYC media
#SSORC #SydneySailing #YachtRacing #MarineInsurance #MiddleHarbourYachtClub
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
