The iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Australia is about to see a unique competitor: a cat named “Oli.”
Bob Williams and “Oli”
The race, celebrated as one of the top three classic offshore yacht races in the world alongside the Newport to Bermuda and the Fastnet Race, begins in Sydney Harbor and ends at the Derwent River in Hobart, Tasmania, covering a journey of 628 nautical miles.
Since its debut in 1945, this race has seen a wide array of entrants, including media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and former UK Prime Minister Edward Heath. However, this is the first time a cat has ever entered the competition. “We like to think of ourselves as the ‘two hands, four paws’ team,” Bob Williams, “Oli’s” owner, jokes.
The “Sylph,” Williams’ boat for the race, is roughly 12 meters long and was built in 1960. While it has competed in the Sydney to Hobart race six times, this is Williams’ first go. Williams, a retired naval officer, and “Oli,” his 10-year-old feline mate, are no strangers to the sea. The cat, who started sailing with Williams five years ago, has become quite the seasoned sailor.
Williams shares, “Oli used to struggle with seasickness and the initial stress, but now he’s totally fine.” Given the challenges of the sea and the “Sylph’s” venerable age, Williams aims to finish the race safely, after which he plans to treat “Oli” to some chilled milk.
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