HELLO! Firstly, sorry for our lack of communication with you all!! After a break in Switzerland due to the exciting development of the TOPtoTOP book being published, we are now “ALL STEAMS AHEAD!” getting ready for the many great events yet to come!! Most importantly being the 2008 ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE!
This event is special for many reasons, not only is it our first time to compete in the race, but we are also very proudly representing our homeland as the first Swiss yacht ever to take part!!

In preparation to this, we have had a lot of exciting developments! Firstly, the stability test in July came back with great results, increasing everyone’s confidence that “Pachamama” is in outstanding condition. Our RIGGING has been completed, and last Monday we received our beautiful new sails, which the whole family is very excited about, and next Thursday we are also hoping to receive the Solent Sail, which will be decorated with the SGS logo. Not only that, but we also installed the new Raymarine Course Computer, VHF and GPS unit which was all destroyed by lightning!
Now, after a very positive audit with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, we received our Marine Radio Certificate, and after some more work and installation, next Monday we hope to receive the GAS Safety certificate.
And talking about certificates, we all had a lot of fun this week getting cold and wet testing out rafts and life jackets in the freezing Sydney Harbour, taking part in the “Sea Safety and Survival Course!”


But there’s still a lot of work and organization to go! We’re currently waiting to certify our Life Raft and PFDs, and a few more updates on the yacht. If our communication is slow at the moment, it is purely because we’ve been spending every second getting into gear for the big race!
One thing in particular we’re looking forward too, is the CYC Press Conference on the 26th of November, where “PACHAMAMA” will be proudly on display. There, Dario and Sabine will be talking to the Media about the involvement of TOPtoTOP in the Sydney-Hobart and the expedition.
After that, the expedition really kicks into gear, as we sail onward to LORD HOWE ISLAND off the NSW coast. Here, we will visit the School, and educate the locals about climate change, in exchange for a tour of the almost untouched picturesque island.
Then, on the return journey, we will hold our breath for that famous day after Christmas, to take part in what is hoping to be one of the Best Sydney-Hobart races yet!!!
But the race hasn’t taken over the main objective of the project, and our school visits are still underway! In October, we visited Wangi Wangi Primary school to teach with, and learn from the children.

It is important also to remember, that none of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and once again, the whole family would like to thank everone for making the TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition possible. We’ll try keep you updated with all the progress and developments to come,
Best Regards,
TOPtoTOP.