The 38th, 416 nautical mile blue water race across the northern Tasman Sea to World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island will start on Saturday, 29 October 2011. Other than the 628 nautical mile Rolex Sydney Hobart, the Hempel Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race is the only annual Category 1 ocean race in Australian waters and it’s a qualifying race for the Sydney Hobart which is sure to attract a good number of yachts preparing for the big race across the ditch.

The race is more often than not a fast, tactical reach with some tricky currents hampering any efforts to stick to the rhumb line.

Your campaign contribution will go towards sponsorship costs including a crew berth on The Stick, PFD, Safety gear, food, training and preparation, race entry fee, insurance, fuel, berthing fees & documentation. You will need to organise travel, accommodation, personal epirbs and wet weather gear at your own expense.