Multihull sailing
Rushour – Qualifying Passage Southport to Sydney
In preparation for the 52nd Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster, I sailed aboard Rushour, the 50-foot high-performance catamaran skippered by Drew Carruthers, for the required qualifying passage from Southport to Sydney. The passage, covering approximately 430 nautical miles over two and a half days, is designed to ensure that at least 60% of the intended race crew have experience on board before the main event—a critical step in high-speed offshore racing.
Departing Southport late in the evening, we immediately felt the responsiveness and raw speed of Rushour as she cut through the waves under a strong easterly. With a mostly asymmetrical spinnaker up for significant portions of the journey, the yacht flew down the Queensland and New South Wales coasts, demonstrating the thrilling combination of power and precision that defines Drew’s design.
For me, this passage was an outstanding learning experience. I was involved in all aspects of the boat—helming in a range of conditions, adjusting sails under asymmetric spinnaker trim, managing watch rotations, and maintaining focus during the long overnight legs. The pace was relentless, and the conditions constantly varied, giving me a real insight into how high-performance multihulls behave in offshore conditions.
Experiencing the power and responsiveness of Rushour firsthand, alongside a skilled and cohesive crew, reinforced the importance of disciplined sail handling, proactive communication, and vigilance on watch. The qualifying passage was not only a vital step for race eligibility but also a unique opportunity to gain confidence on a fast, modern offshore catamaran, knowledge I carried straight into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster itself.
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