Berrimilla II 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race PHS flag
Date1998
Object number00056463
NameFlag
MediumFabric
DimensionsOverall: 2,070 x 866 mm,
ClassificationsVisual communication
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Alex Whitworth
DescriptionThis flag was awarded to Alex Whitworth during the ill-fated 1998 Sydney-Hobart yacht race where he competed on board the Brolga 33 yacht Berrimilla II. Whitworth and co-sailor Peter Crozier took first place on handicap in the PHS Division, where yachts are judged on historical performance not measurement. During this race Berrimilla II faced 80-knot winds and mountainous seas. It was the most disastrous Sydney-Hobart race in history and resulted in the loss of six lives and five yachts. The emergency air/sea operation rescued 55 sailors and 71 of the 115 yachts failed to finish.HistoryAlex Whitworth is an Australian sailor famous for sailing double handed twice around the world in the Brolga class yacht Berrimilla II. The first circumnavigation occurred from 2004-2006 around Cape Horn from Sydney to England and back around Africa. Whilst in the Southern Ocean during this first journey Whitworth and fellow sailor Peter Crozier communicated with Dr Leeroy Chao, the NASA Commander of Expedition 10 on the International Space Station. Alex’s second global circumnavigation evolved from his contact with NASA, and a later meeting with Dr Pascal Lee who was stationed at NASA’s Haughton Mars Camp on Devon Island in northern Canada. The second circumnavigation occurred from 2008-2010 via the Northwest Passage, a route encouraged by the NASA scientists so Whitworth could witness a total solar eclipse on August 1 2008 from Devon Island.
SignificanceThe collection of objects on offer to ANMM give a comprehensive overview of Whitworth’s voyages, primarily his second circumnavigation. The various flags nicely chart differing stages of the two circumnavigations, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, the Falklands, Cornwall, and Alaska are all represented. Rarer examples include flags from communities in Greenland, a ‘Cape-Horner’ pennant, and a French Antarctic Territories flag. Berrimilla II’s first circumnavigation began and ended with consecutive Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races and included a Fastnet Yacht Race in between, flags from these races on offer also. The photo album includes a series of images from the second voyage, landscapes and wildlife encountered on the way, remote communities, and Berrimilla II’s return to Sydney – all of the flags seen in one photo. The prestigious Blue Water Medal exemplifies the scale of Whitworth’s achievements. The medal is awarded internationally for remarkable sailing feats by the Cruising Club of America, a club launched in 1921-2 by sailors interested in cruising and the development of the cruising type of yacht. Whitworth’s medal was awarded for his Northwest Passage circumnavigation, Berrimilla II being the first vessel to ever sail from Australia to England via this route. The back of the medal features signatures from those involved in Whitworth’s circumnavigation. The unique North West Passage notebook illustration signed by Dr Lee is the original sketch that inspired the second circumnavigation, and along with the voyage chart and shirt are nice complimentary items to the photo album and flags.
Whitworth’s 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race PHS Category winner flag and medal are rare associated item to the items on offer. PHS is a performance based handicap system with yachts being allocated a performance or arbitrary handicap. Berrimilla II's victory in the this category during 1998 is highly significant, this year renowned for the most dangerous race conditions on record.
The two charts detailing Haughton Mars Camp and ‘Berrimilla II’ rock are unique items connecting the Berrimilla II and NASA story together.
