Cat Makes Nautical History in Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
alamak | 12/26/2023In a first for the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a cat named Oli has made history as a unique participant. This event, which started as a casual cruise down Australia’s east coast in 1945, has seen various colorful competitors, but 2023 marked the first time a feline has joined the ranks of the sailors.
Skipper Robert Williams and his cat Oli participated aboard the yacht ‘Sylph VI’ in the 78th running of the 628 nautical mile race. Oli, approximately 10 years old, has been part of Williams’ life for five years and has adapted well to life at sea. Initially prone to seasickness, Oli has since become an adept sea cat, often found commanding the ship or napping in the cockpit. Williams, a retired navy officer with extensive sea experience, considers Oli a vital part of his crew.
“Ratlines? Not on my ship.”
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
Swabbing the deck me hearties, arrr!
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
….disciplining walruses.
Arr yea scurvvy cat, we have ye walk the plank!
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
Discipline. The ones with 9 tails (tales?) are most valuable.
You can kill one 9 times.
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
Keeping the albatross from perching on the mast or shroud.
… keeping the crew in line, and the press gang on their toes…
Ah yes..the novel ‘The Old Cat and the Sea’ is among my fav novels as is ‘King Dork.’
Lee Meriwether in a catsuit on a submarine served a more vital use than any cat on a yacht.
Disaster for crew discipline.
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
Guarding the strawberry locker.
… clearing loose objects off the deck.
They can negotiate with the orcas.
Stir fry in some parts of the world.
Vital Uses of a Cat on a Yacht: …
If your Dutch cook quits and you’re forced to hire a Chinese Chef they become sustenance to replace the hot cross buns.
Cat gut is extremely strong and waterproof so it is good to have a natural source onboard for plugging holes and for caulking around hatches.
Cat gut receives its strength naturally from working at puking up hairballs…SCIENCE!
Cat on a boat. How novel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Chippy