Geoff Rouvray’s Golden Jubilee of Ocean Racing.
Conditions were perfect. The breeze slightly caresses the water; glistening like a priceless diamond. Not far away sitting under an umbrella enjoying the view is Sydney to Hobart veteran, Geoff Rouvray, better known to his peers as “Roofrack” or “Roofie,” contemplating, 50 years of blue water classics.
“I don’t know how it came about; I somehow got conned into playing cricket, Geoff recalls. One day I was standing out in the hot sun when I thought what the hell am I doing here.” Geoff desired a much more refreshing and challenging competition.
It all started after getting involved with the sea-scouts at Bayview. Sailing a 16ft skiff with four mates around Pittwater was great fun. Now, was time to get into competitive racing, joining the Bayview Yacht Racing…show more content… Salacia II was selected to represent Australia, at the Adrimal’s Cup, on the Isle of Wight, in the UK. Now, considered the world championship of ocean racing. Each country had selected three yachts that sailed together as a team over a variety of courses, 2 x 30 mile inshore, 1 x180 mile offshore and 620-mile Fastnet race. The English version of the Hobart race. They arrived and spent four weeks training every day as well as competing in several local races. By the time they started the Adrimal’s Cup the boat was tuned to perfection. “The crew work was as good as any America’s Cup crew. “We were leading the point score in the final race, but one yacht broke its rudder and did not finish which pushed the team from 1st to 3rd place. “It was a real shame as the whole team had worked so hard, to win the cup for The racing patch from Salacia II Australia,” Geoff
