I noted Solandra is currently listed for sale on Boatsonline.com.au.
Solandra is one of four S&S34’s that took part in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. This race was the 54th Sydney to Hobart and its most treacherous. Of the 115 boats which started on 26 December, 71 retired and 44 yachts completed the race.
On the second day of the race, an unusually intense low pressure depression developed which resulted in un-seasonal mid-summer snow across parts of south-eastern Australia. The weather system built into an exceptionally strong storm with winds in excess of 65 knots and gusts to 80 knots. The rising storm caused the sinking of five boats; seven were abandoned and 55 sailors had to be rescued from their yachts by ships and helicopters. Six sailors died.
Solandra was dis-masted during a knock down and retired, sailing back to Eden, N.S.W. The S&S34’s in the race were.
- T42 Solandra Craig Vescott S&S 34 1982 Retired Eden lost mast
- Misty Brian Clague S&S 34 1975 FINISHED last boat in fleet of 44
- Morning Tide A Fenwick / J Davern S&S 34 1974 RETIRED prudent seamanship
- Boomaroo Morse Fans J. McIntosh S&S 34 1971 RETIRED prudent seamanship
Misty was the only S&S34 to finish and was first in IMS division F. All these yachts are still around today.
The Coroners report report on the event contain interviews with Solandra’s skipper & crew and Misty’s skipper. They are worth a read.
http://www.equipped.org/sydney-hobart/Vol%2010%20Docs/GOODFELLOW%20David%20John.PDF
http://www.equipped.org/sydney-hobart/Vol%2010%20Docs/ESCOTT%20Craig.PDF
http://www.equipped.org/sydney-hobart/Vol%2009%20Docs/CLAGUE%20Brian%20James.PDF
VC Offshore Stand Aside (YC4882) – 1998 SHYR, 1st Mayday Photo Richard Bennett
