Sharon Ferris-Choat: Sydney Hobart Race 2024 Debrief

Explicit content warning

01/15/25 • 89 min

David Hows catches up with Sharon Ferris-Choat for a debrief on the IMOCA Open 60 project - Awen. With less than 8 weeks to get Awen into MCA Cat 0 survey and to the start line, for the what turned out to be a treacherous edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, it was mission impossible.

Despite the odds, Sharon led a passionate team, who worked around the clock during October and November of 2024, to then cross the Tasman from Opua to Sydney in early December and make it to the start line. Miraculously final approval to race was given by the CYCA just 4 hours before the race started. It was a refit and upgrade project of epic proportions and nail biting right to the end. We had no plan B, we simply had to complete the 700+ tasks in less than 7 weeks, to make the dream possible.

And then the race got underway with gusts of 50 knots plus, hitting the fleet of 103 starters on the first night. The carnage that unfolded over the following 2-3 days was horrendous, as 30 yachts retired with broken masts, lost steering, water ingress, torn sails, injured bodies and the list goes on. Tragically 2 lives were lost, when crew members were hit by booms and mainsheets and a man overboard was successfully recovered during a moon-less night at sea. There are lessons in this for all of us.

This the remarkable story of Sharon’s leadership and seamanship, to pull a rookie crew together for the first time, 3 weeks earlier and to deliver them safely from Sydney to Hobart, despite hitting speeds of 24 knots plus at times, on a boat they were still learning to sail.

Race with Sharon on Awen: https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/sailing-calendar-racing

Race with Sharon on Awen: https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/sailing-calendar-racing

Previous Episode

David Hows - How I turned my sailing passion into a business at age 50

David's daughter Madison interviews him about life lessons, building a sailing business, setbacks, challenges and the future ahead. In this episode, Madison dive's into Davids background as a 16-year school leaver and the 34 year journey he took, to launch and build Ocean Sailing Expeditions at age 50 as COVID 19 hit.

This episode as about passion and resilience and not being afraid to take risks, if you believe in something, no matter what stage in in life you are at.

David shares lessons from childhood, the challenges of finding yourself in a career you don't love and how to pivot and head in a completely new direction, even when the odds of success are stacked against you.

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From 1 to 4 yachts, in 4 years: the Ocean Sailing Expeditions story continues

David Hows has returned with thrilling announcements for 2025 at Ocean Sailing Expeditions, unveiling his vision for the year ahead. Fresh from crossing the finish line of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race in 14th place with their new IMOCA Open 60 extreme race yacht 'Awen,' David's just been in Auckland to host 210 guests aboard their new 105-foot superyacht; 'Sea Breeze III', for the Sail GP Auckland event. Over the past six months, the Ocean Sailing Expeditions business has undergone a remarkable transformation.

With a fleet now comprising four yachts ranging from 60 to 105 feet, the company offers diverse experiences, including blue water cruising, expeditions, and racing tailored to all preferences. Despite navigating significant challenges, Ocean Sailing Expeditions has introduced its most expansive lineup of adventures to date.

A limited 2025 membership release has just been announced, presenting an exceptional opportunity to join their crew for new and extraordinary adventures at exclusive member rates. Drawing sailors from around the globe, Ocean Sailing Expeditions has earned a reputation for leading expeditions to remote destinations, providing unparalleled experiences.

Watch the video to learn more and discover the benefits of Ocean Sailing Expeditions Membership today.

Find out more: https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/membership