![Scallywag had a close call with two other vessels in the Solas Big Boat Challenge.](/content/dam/images/g/t/a/c/e/v/image.related.afrArticleLead.620x350.gtcf0q.png/1482460631632.jpg)
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The narrowest of misses in a trial event alerted long-time friends Seng Huang Lee and Sam McKay to the demands of ocean racing as they prepared for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, beginning on Boxing Day.
They were both on board Lee's yacht, Scallywag, when it nearly got into a tangle with a small spectator ferry and a maritime boat, putting them in grave danger of a collision that could have cruelled their chances of making their first Rolex Sydney Hobart there and then.
But in a remarkable piece of seamanship, skipper David Witt threaded his way through the two vessels and avoided a possible disaster in the Solas Big Boat Challenge, conducted each year in the lead-up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart.
The tension of the near accident brought home to Lee and McKay just how sailing is a matter of skill, thrills and courage.
Lee joked to his family that night that there was more room to spare than video footage of the event suggested.
"I said there was more room than it looked, but it really was a close call. It just goes to show how with all the technology you can have, it is the crew and teamwork which really count in the end."
Malaysian-born Lee, often called SH, is executive chairman of Mulpha Australia, part of the huge Malaysian-based property group. He is based in Hong Kong but was educated in Sydney's eastern suburbs, close to where most Sydney to Hobart boats are berthed before the race.
McKay lives in Sydney and is managing director, consumer, for Consolidated Press Holdings.
McKay says he and Lee met at the Young Presidents' Organisation, a group which brings together young chief executives. "We've developed a close personal and professional relationship over many years."
Sharing experience with good mate
Both have devoted time away from their personal and corporate lives to become the best sailors they can be for the arduous 628 nautical mile Sydney to Hobart event, which always begins on Boxing Day from Sydney Harbour. It is regarded by sailors as one of the toughest of all the world's ocean races.
"I expect the Hobart race is going to be challenging and memorable, and it is great that I can share the experience with a good mate," says McKay.
Run each year by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, with the assistance of The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, this will be the 72nd event and will have a fleet of 91 boats.
The record winning time for the Rolex Sydney Hobart was set by Wild Oats XI in 2012 in a time of one day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds. Wild Oats XI has taken line honours a record eight times, the title given to the boat first to reach the finish line.
Lee says they hold the Oatley family and Wild Oats XI, under skipper Mark Richards, in high esteem for what they have performed in sailing.
"Wild Oats XI is the favourite. We have great respect for what they have done. But we have a good boat and in the right light conditions we should race well," he says, adding that Scallywag defeated Wild Oats XI on some occasions at the recent Hamilton Island Race Week.
Lee went for 'cream of the crop'
Scallywag is actually a converted yacht. Originally it was Ragamuffin 100, a boat owned by the legendary Syd Fischer. Lee heard that Fischer might have been selling some of his smaller vessels but he decided that it was the big 100-foot boat that he wanted.
"We went for the cream of the crop. If you are going to do the race, it's better to do it in a big boat because you get there quicker!
"We only started the (conversion) process in March or April and it only took six months," he says. Even repairs that some had warned them would put the boat out of action for months were completed in just three weeks.
"So we have made good progress. One of the big attractions was that the crew came with the boat, that was a very big plus," says Lee.
The beauty of yachts in full sail can convince onlookers that ocean racing is glamorous. But McKay says the the truth is very different.
Most of the comforts and amenities are stripped from the boat to conserve weight. Conditions below deck are cramped and sparse.
McKay took his wife Sally below deck on Scallywag to see where he would be spending much of his time. He is in what is called the pit, where he is the self-described "junior burger" helping a more experienced sailor.
"All she said when she saw the one toilet and where we sleep is 'good luck'," he says with a smile.
Putting in hours of preparation
As part of their training, Lee and McKay took part in a race to Noumea. They were on the boat for about 62 hours, which was longer than the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Being at sea for such an extended period was good preparation, says Lee.
Scallywag has raced in Asia as well and the plan is for that to continue. Sailing is viewed as a prestigious sport in Asia and is starting to expand in China, although admittedly from a small base.
Lee, who did some sailing around Sydney's Elizabeth Bay when he was young, says there is some anxiety about tackling the rigours of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
"Some of my friends think I'm crazy, especially after the near miss," he laughs. "Naturally there is some apprehension and we are keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts.
"But everything is done with safety in mind and the thing is, I'm very excited to be going."