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

Azzurro, now under the ownership of Jack Kliner is following on in previous owner Shane Kearns’ wake and putting together an exciting crew for 2023’s Sydney to Hobart race.

Xavier Doerr, Jessica Watson, Steve Quiros, Samuel Duncan, Annie Eastgate, join Jack to take on Australia’s premier offshore race.

We look forward to updates on their performance and race schedule for the year ahead.

S&S34 Bendigedig is currently sailing in the2023 Global Solo Challenge. Owner/skipper Dafydd Hughes is currently south west of the Cape of Good Hope and is currently running 1st. Great Work Dafydd!!

You can track Bendigedig & David’s progress on https://globalsolochallenge.com/tracking/.

Notice is given that the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the S&S 34 Association will be held at 11am on 11th August 2019.

See attached agenda.

S&S 34 AGM 2019 Notice

Jo Breen has just listed Morning Star for sale. Morning Star recently completed the Melbourne to Osaka double handed race where she led the fleet until the very last section of the race. A great yacht! She is listed at

https://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/sailing-boats/sparkman-stephens-34-mark-2-one-of-the-best-to-hit-the-market/231817

Calling All Perth Based S&S34’s

We are looking for any Perth based S&S34’s to enter in the Commodore’s Perpetual Trophy race for 2018!! The race is on 25^th March. The format is that a Commodore from clubs around Perth each skipper an S&S34 in a short race. The race is held at Fremantle Sailing Club and the event commences at 12 noon.

Currently nine S&S34’s are confirmed as entered but it would be fantastic to see more of these great yachts participating.

If you would like to be included please contact Ron Kooy on ronkooy@gmail.com.