Quantock Triumphs in CYCA's Flinders Islet Race Wild Rose Division
In a spectacular feat of skill and determination, Ali and Dave Hobbs and their yacht, Quantock, sailed to victory in the Wild Rose division of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Flinders Islet Race. The competition, part of the prestigious CYCA Blue Water Series, requires at least 25% of the crew to be female, a milestone the Hobbs team successfully achieved, adding an extra layer of pride to their victory.
Ali, a seasoned sailor, was still buzzing from the triumph when we spoke. “We're still on a high," she said, smiling. “We're getting so many messages from friends at the club. It’s amazing." For both Ali and Dave, winning in the Wild Rose division was a dream, but it didn’t come easy. The journey was filled with meticulous preparation, careful crew selection, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
First Time in Wild Rose
The Flinders Islet Race wasn't new territory for *Quantock*, but this was the first time the team had qualified for the Wild Rose division. The division’s requirement, 25% female crew, had been a goal for Ali. “We’re normally around 20%,” she explained. “But this time, we managed to get to 30%, which allowed us entry.” Dave’s target was to outperform *Pretty Woman*, a strong competitor led by Richard Hudson, known for a nearly even gender split on his crew. "My goal was to win Wild Rose, which meant we had to beat *Pretty Woman*," Ali added, chuckling. And they did just that.
Building a Skilled Crew
To make the 25% female requirement, Ali and Dave brought together some incredibly talented women. “Both Skye and Liz have done significant offshore sailing,” Dave shared. “Skye’s completed six Sydney Hobart races, and Liz isn’t far behind with a similar amount. They’re both highly experienced.”
The team had been recruiting new sailors, and their efforts paid off. “Skye and her partner, Steve, who is also an experienced sailor, approached us. They’d heard good things about the boat and were keen to join,” Ali said, recalling how lucky they were to have such talented sailors onboard. Liz had also joined them for the Southport Race, and her familiarity with the team added an extra edge during the Flinders Islet challenge.
Preparation Meets Philosophy
The Hobbs have built a reputation for thorough preparation, a crucial part of their success in offshore racing. Their focus isn’t just on the technical aspects of the boat, but on building strong team dynamics. Alison explains, “We work hard to ensure that everyone on board is aligned. It’s not just about knowing your role but understanding the bigger picture, working together to solve problems and adjust to changing conditions.”
David chimes in, “Our philosophy is simple—prepare meticulously, sail smart, and enjoy the process. We’ve learned that a happy crew is a fast crew.”
This approach has clearly paid off, with Quantock performing admirably throughout the race. Their victory in the Wild Rose division speaks not only to the skill of the crew but to the teamwork and preparation that the Hobbs prioritise.
The Race Experience
The Flinders Islet Race is an 88-mile offshore challenge that doesn’t allow much downtime. “You don’t sleep during Flinders," Dave noted, explaining that the race is short but intense. The crew worked seamlessly together, especially during the first few hours, which saw an impressive 20 sail changes due to fickle winds. “I don’t think I’ve ever done that many sail changes in such a short time,” Ali said, still in awe of the crew’s determination. “Our poor bowman was exhausted, but no one complained; everyone just got on with it.”
Steve, acting as both navigator and tactician, collaborated closely with Dave to ensure they stayed ahead of Pretty Woman, who was within sight at times. “We could see them outside of us, and it motivated us to push harder,” Ali said. “Steve would suggest another sail change, and the crew never hesitated.”
Beyond the technical execution, the camaraderie onboard *Quantock* played a huge role in the team’s success. “Dave and I are married, so there’s a bit of back-and-forth banter between us,” Ali joked. “We’re like George and Mildred.” Despite their playful dynamic, Ali acknowledged Dave’s role in building her confidence as an offshore sailor. “I’m still not as confident offshore as Dave, but this race felt different. I was comfortable. That’s thanks to him and the supportive crew we had.”
Challenges and Close Calls
While the sail changes and wind shifts kept the crew busy, there was a heart-stopping moment when Quantock came within metres of a whale. “We were probably two to three metres away,” Ali recounted. “It was beautiful to see, but we had to get out of their way quickly!” The adrenaline from such close encounters only added to the crew’s focus and drive, helping them stay on top of their game throughout the race.
Celebrating the Win
Crossing the finish line and then receiving their handicap win result marked a significant achievement for Quantock and its crew. “Richard Hudson was the first to come up and congratulate us,” Ali said. The mutual respect between the teams was clear, as both boats shared the podium in the Wild Rose division.
For Ali, the win in the Wild Rose division wasn’t just about personal accomplishment but about the growth of female participation in offshore sailing. Having worked hard to bring together a strong, gender-diverse team, she hopes to inspire more women to take part in this traditionally male-dominated sport.
Looking Ahead
The victory at Flinders is just one part of Quantock's broader sailing campaign. Ali and Dave plan to continue competing in the RPAYC’s offshore races, with their eyes set on the Blue Water Pointscore Series in the new year. "We’ll be doing all the offshore races," Dave said. With the momentum from this win, Quantock is well-positioned to keep challenging the competition in future events.
As for Ali, this victory stands as a testament to her growing confidence and skill as an offshore sailor. "It’s taken time to get to this point," she said. “But with the right crew and support, we’ve proven what we can do. And I’m excited for what’s next.”
While the Hobbs are rightly proud of their Flinders Islet victory, they already have their sights set on their next challenges. First up is the Cabbage Tree Island race, another demanding event that will test both Quantock and her crew. The race serves as a perfect warm-up for the main event of the season—the Sydney to Hobart race, which begins on Boxing Day (26 December) 2024.
The Sydney to Hobart race is renowned for being one of the most gruelling ocean races in the world, covering approximately 630 nautical miles and facing a range of conditions from calm seas to fierce storms as the yachts make their way south. David and Alison have tackled this race before and know just how critical preparation will be.
David reflects on the significance of the Sydney to Hobart, “It’s a race like no other. You can never fully predict what the ocean will throw at you, so the key is to prepare for every scenario. Our experience in races like Flinders Islet gives us the confidence, but we never take anything for granted.”
Alison adds, “We’re excited to get out there and see what Quantock can do. The team is ready, and we’re focused on maintaining the same level of preparation and teamwork that led us to success in Flinders Islet.”
The Hobbs' commitment to their crew and their love of the sport will no doubt serve them well in both the Cabbage Tree Island race and the Sydney to Hobart. These races present fresh opportunities for Quantock to shine, and while competition will be fierce, the Hobbs' approach—built on preparation, teamwork, and enjoyment—will be their guide as they tackle new challenges.
Tips for Aspiring Offshore Racers: Insights from David and Alison Hobbs
David and Alison Hobbs shared invaluable advice for those looking to break into offshore yacht racing, whether it's a bluewater event or something like the Flinders Islet Race. David emphasised the importance of starting with inshore races to build a solid foundation. “It takes years of experience," he said. "First, you need to be confident inshore. Spend a couple of years going around the cans and mastering the procedures before heading offshore.”
For those ready to take on offshore races, David suggests starting with shorter races like Flinders Islet or the RPAYC’s Bird Island Race, and then gradually moving to longer ones, like the RPAYC Coffs race. "These offer great distances to get a feel for overnight racing, and the destination is always part of the fun," he added.
Alison highlighted the rising role of women in sailing, especially in key positions such as navigators and tacticians. "When you look at Hobart campaigns, you’ll see an increasing number of females in strategic roles. It’s not just about the physical side of sailing—it’s about skill and strategy," she said, encouraging women to seize opportunities in offshore racing.
Report by Emily McCutcheon - RPAYC Women's Fleet Representative