„I watched the start of the race from a boat—an unforgettable experience that allowed me to witness the energy and anticipation surrounding the legendary Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race up close. Being on the water at that moment made the scale and intensity of the event truly tangible, as hundreds of sails moved out of Sydney Harbour and into the open sea. The most difficult and notorious section of the race is the passage through the Bass Strait, the stretch of water separating the Australian mainland from Tasmania. The sea there is relatively shallow, which causes waves to rise steeply and unpredictably. At the same time, strong winds from the Tasman Sea collide with powerful ocean currents, often creating short, high, and chaotic waves. Many sailors say this is where the race is often decided—or where boats are forced to retire due to the demanding and unpredictable conditions. My journey to Australia and the experience of witnessing the start of this remarkable race became an important source of inspiration for the paintings presented in this collection. The works reflect my impressions of the atmosphere, movement, and dramatic forces of the ocean that define this extraordinary maritime challenge.“ – Angela Sommerhoff