The 51st Geraldton Ocean Classic, organised by South of Perth Yacht Club, sets sail this Saturday.
The event consists of two legs: Fremantle to Geraldton and then the return leg from Geraldton to Fremantle. The first leg starts Saturday October 12 at 9:00am with the return leg leaving Geraldton on Friday October 18 at 9:30am.
The program also includes two prize presentations, one at the end of each leg, and the three day ‘Lobster Pot Regatta’ in Geraldton.
Indian holds the Fremantle to Geraldton race leg record with a time of 17h 11m 22s in 2015. The Geraldton to Fremantle return leg record is held by Optimus Prime which set the record of 19h 59m 33s in 2008.
Both the northern and southern legs are Category 2 safety rated races and present some of the most challenging offshore racing in the annual calendar.
The first leg from Fremantle to Geraldton is traditionally downwind, with competitors throwing up their kits and surfing to the finish. This fast sprint up to Geraldton means crews are usually challenged with a hard windward slog on their way back to Fremantle. These varying conditions provide a great opportunity for competitors to play their yacht’s strengths to achieve a good result in at least one of the legs.
As a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race qualifier, the Geraldton Ocean Classic often includes competitors preparing for the icon offshore event that departs from Sydney on 26 December each year.
If you want to follow the action from the comfort of your home, the 2019 Geraldton Ocean Classic is using the YB Tracking system for both legs of the event. Click here to follow your favourites.
