Images(10)

RANI Sydney to Hobart 1945

Compiled by Raymond Richmond

Date1945

Object number00048228

NameScrapbook

MediumInk on paper, photographs

DimensionsOverall: 505 x 345 x 20 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Alison Richmond

Terms

DescriptionThis scrap book documents the inaugural (1945) Sydney Hobart Yacht race and was complied by Raymond Richmond, a crew member of the winning yacht RANI. It includes newspaper accounts, Richmond's own observations as well as press photographs and ephemera relating to the organisation and running of the race.HistoryIn 1945 Jack Earl, Peter Luke and others from the fledgling Cruising yacht Club of Australia planned a Christmas Cruise from Sydney to Hobart. British ocean-racer John Illingworth, skipper of RANI suggested making it a race. Working with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania a friendly fleet was assembled. The race set off with a knockabout character of improvisation, mateship and gentlemanly rivalry. When three yachts went missing, there was intense media coverage until they were found. The race had established an enduring place in the imagination of a war-weary public. RANI was first across the line and winner on handicap with a time of 6 days and 14 hours. RANI's success was due to the skipper/owner Captain John Illingworth's thorough understanding of ocean racing and the co-operation of the crew who made the necessary sail changes without delay. The yacht was sailed with naval efficiency hard by night and day with a system of four hourly watches alternating with the evening dog watches. This ensured all crew had proper rest. RANI also sailed the shortest course as Illingworth had obtained local information for the voyage from fishermen, pilots and sea captains.SignificanceThis scrapbook includes various accounts of the first Sydney-Hobart Yacht race by the skipper, owner, a crew member and journalists covering the race.