December, 2001... The Sydney-Hobart race is one of the top three yacht races in the world, having a long and distinguished tradition. This year the Volvo Challenge yachts competed in the race for the first time - as the first segment of their Sydney to Auckland leg. The inclusion of the Volvo 60's certainly upped the electricity surrounding the event. And Steve & Dorothy were very pleased to see their San Francisco mate Mark Rudiger take line honors navigating "Assa Abloy".

The finish of the Sydney-Hobart marks the beginning of the Hobart Summer Festival (see our 2002 tab for coverage of the Festival). The finishers take over the outer and inner harbors of Constitution Dock (where Adagio wintered in Hobart). It seemed that every ambulatory sole in Hobart was to be seen watching the yachts finish, visiting with mates aboard, having a close look at each yacht's special innovations, or just relaxing in one of the harborside restaurants to absorb the ambience.