Cat makes history in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

On Tuesday, a cat named Oli will be making history by participating in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This event, which began as a leisurely cruise down Australia's east coast in 1945, has seen a variety of competitors, including media mogul Rupert Murdoch, cricket legend Michael Clarke, and former UK Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. However, there has never been a record of a feline participant.

Oli's owner, Bob Williams, didn't intend to be a trailblazer. He simply couldn't bear the thought of leaving Oli behind during the race. 'I've done lots of crazy things, but this isn't one of them,' Mr. Williams told the BBC. The race organizers, initially perplexed, have also given their approval. There are no regulations prohibiting animals from participating, and cats have a long history in maritime travel.

While the majority of spectators will be focused on the speedy super maxis - enormous yachts with up to 24 crew members - during the Boxing Day race, Sylph, a 40-foot yacht built in 1960, will compete in the two-handed division where smaller boats compete with a reduced team. 'We're jokingly saying [it's] the two-handed and four-pawed division,' Mr. Williams said. A friend of his will co-skipper, and Oli will serve as the ship's cat. Both Mr. Williams and Oli have extensive experience at sea. Mr. Williams, a retired navy officer, has spent his life traversing the ocean, often with a feline companion. Oli, who is about 10 years old, joined him five years ago and quickly adapted to life at sea. 'He used to get seasick, and he was a bit stressed to start off with. but now he's fine. He quite enjoys life,' Mr. Williams said. Oli typically spends his time issuing commands or napping in the boat's cockpit. If the conditions become rough, he retreats to a safe spot below deck. The 630 nautical mile race is known for its unpredictable and often harsh conditions. However, Mr. Williams is prepared for any emergency, including a 'cat overboard' situation. He doesn't have a life jacket for Oli, as he knows the cat would refuse to wear it. But he is confident in Oli's swimming abilities, having seen him dive into the ocean to evade an overzealous dog. Mr. Williams and Oli plan to proceed at a leisurely pace, aiming to reach Hobart in time for the New Year's celebration. Upon arrival, they'll celebrate with a nip of rum, and perhaps some milk on the rocks for Oli.