The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Corporate Luncheon, the first formal function of the annual Great Race festivities has today kicked off the celebration of sailing that is the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. On a beautiful Summer’s day in Rushcutters Bay guests were treated to tantalising tastes from our long-term (74-year!) friends in Tasmania, as well as the illustrious company of eight previous Overall Winners of the Tattersall Cup.
The Luncheon, as it has done for its short but successful history, was held in support of the CYCA’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts. Guests were able to purchase raffle tickets with prizes supplied by our Race, Club and event partners, as well as join in the fun with a raffle conducted by SOLAS Trusts Chairman David Kellett AM.
The CYCA would like to recognise and thank our Partners and supporters once again for another amazing event, and would like to announce that nearly $20,000 was raised for the most worthy of causes in our sport, the safety of our sailors lives at sea.
Special thanks must go to Rear Admiral Lee Goddard from the Royal Australian Navy who donated a personal tour by Lee for 10 people of Garden Island and lunch in the Officers Mess, as well as to Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel who donated two nights in the Presidential Suite to accompany two tickets on the VIP start boat for this year’s Great Race.
A number of our corporate sponsors, suppliers and contractors also contribute to enhancing this event each year. One notable addition was the pre-luncheon addition of the Oyster Butler Experience presented by Blackman Bay Oysters and the Splendid Gin tasting organised by Tourism Tasmania which were both very well received.
Another special additional to the luncheon on Friday and over the weekend was the presence of classic boats Kathleen Gillett, Maris and Smoky Cape. Many thanks to the Australian Maritime Museum for facilitating this visit on a very special anniversary for Kathleen.
A special thanks also to the Blond Catering and CYCA teams: Functions, Marketing/Communications and Operations for their work in making this event such a success given their heavy workload with so many other activities at this time of the year. A great team effort.
