[ravon]

The 1998 Sydney - Hobart race was one of the worst sailing disasters in recent maritime history. And from it many lessons were learned regarding the functioning of boats and crews in heavy weather. 115 boats left Sydney and were hit by an unexpected typhoon. Seven boats were abandon and five were lost. The 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race Review Committee report, summarized by Peter Bush, committee chair, reported the following as one of the significant findings: "There is no evidence that any particular style or design of boat fared better or worse in the conditions. The age of yacht, age of design, construction method, construction material, high or low stability, heavy or light displacement, or rig type were not determining factors. Whether or not a yacht was hit by an extreme wave was a matter of chance." (Ref: Rob Mundle in Fatal Storm, Publisher's Afterward p 249. International Marine/McGraw-Hill Camden, Maine.)