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Rolex Sydney Hobart Race - on the water video of the final miles, plus dockside interviews

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Miserable drought finally broken in huge Sydney to Hobart win

Supermaxi Black Jack won the prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Tuesday ending years of frustrating near misses.

Owned by Australian Peter Harburg and skippered by Mark Bradford, Black Jack took line honours after a tight tussle with LawConnect on the River Derwent after two days 12 hours 37min and 17sec of racing.

For Harburg it was his first win in the race after several times falling short and comes in a boat named after Australian Formula One legend and three-time world champion Jack Brabham, who was also a friend of his.

Harburg’s decision to stay on shore for the first time and not be on the boat — which he bought ahead of the 2017 race — paid off handsomely.

Indeed Harburg had been on board when it finished second (2018), third (2017) and fifth (2019) — the latter occasion it led before being overtaken by four other boats.

“Mark said he was confident from the start. I was confident when that [finish] cannon went off,” said Harburg.

“We will both be in tears anytime ... It’s the grand prize of yachting in Australia. It’s the first time I’ve been involved in the winning team.”

It is the second time the boat itself has won the race having triumphed in 2009 under the name of Alfa Romeo when powned by Neville Crichton — Harburg subsequently bought it and changed the name.

The crew celebrated with hugs and pats on the backs before undergoing Covid-19 tests and then finally set foot on dry land.

Bradford said the win was rich consolation after so many years of trying and missing out.

“We’ve had five, six years in a row now and we’ve finished first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh,” he said.

It was one of the slowest Sydney to Hobart races ever with harsh conditions forcing withdrawals due to damage or minor crew injuries.

On Tuesday morning, Black Jack had regained a six nautical mile lead on LawConnect.

Weather is critical in the 628-nautical-mile (1,200-km) race down Australia’s east coast to Hobart, one of the world’s most challenging ocean events.

Six men died, five boats sank, and 55 sailors were rescued during the 1998 event when a deep depression exploded over the fleet in the Bass Strait.

But this year, organisers also faced the trials of a global pandemic, which already nixed last year’s edition — cancelling the event for the first time since it began in 1945.

Several yachts were also unable to compete because of Covid-19, including favourites Comanche and Wild Oats XI.

Before the start, four yachts were forced to retire, leaving 88 entrants at the starting line, including 17 two-handed crafts, which are allowed to take part for the first time.

It was a sharp reduction from the 157 boats that set out in 2019. Though the first yacht to reach the finishing line grabs most public attention, the main prize for sailors is regarded as the handicap honours, which take account of the size of the yachts.

That detail matters not a jot to Bradford who was looking forward to the celebrations.

“If you come to the Customs House (hotel) later you’ll see how that’s done. Unorthodox I would say,” said Bradford.

Yachting World

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How to follow the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

• Toby Heppell
• December 19, 2022

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is due to set off on boxing day once again in 2022, with an impressive 111 boats due to take to the startline

Sydney sailors are counting down the days – not until December 25, but the 26, for the much-anticipated Rolex Sydney Hobart Race .

The blue riband offshore classic was cancelled for the first time in its 76 years in 2020, but bounced back in 2021 and will go ahead one more this year with an impressive fleet of 111 boats entered for the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which begins on Sydney Harbour at 1pm Monday 26 December.

As is often the case in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, the bulk of the fleet is made up of Australian boats and teams, but there are 8 international boats participating this year, including entrants from Germany ( Orione ), Hong Kong ( Antipodes ), Hungary ( Cassiopeia 68 ), New Caledonia ( Eye Candy and Poulpito ), New Zealand ( Caro ), the United Kingdom ( Sunrise ) and the United States of America ( Warrior Won ).

At the sharp end of the fleet, four 100-foot maxis will lead the charge for Line Honours – Andoo Comanche , Black Jack , Hamilton Island Wild Oats and LawConnect . On current form, Andoo Comanche is likely to be favourite to cross the finish line first.

The start of the Sydney Hobart Race means a congested Sydney Harbour. Photo: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Black Jack won Line Honours in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart, while Andoo Comanche holds the race record (1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds) and Hamilton Island Wild Oats (formerly Wild Oats XI ) has the most Line Honours wins in race history, with nine.

Two-handed entrants will for the first time be eligible to win the Tattersall Cup (the prize given to the winner of the race on handicap). A total of 21 two-handed boats are preparing to race, including those that finished second and third respectively in the race’s inaugural Two-Handed Division last year – Crux (Carlos Aydos/Peter Grayson) and Speedwell (Campbell Geeves/Wendy Tuck).

How to follow the 2022 Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race

• In Australia Sydney is expected to send off the fleet in style when the race starts at 1300hrs (local time) on Saturday, 26 December.

Spectator boats can watch the start from the eastern channel and follow the fleet down the Harbour to the Heads. Spectator boats wanting to remain in the Harbour may remain in the western side. Exclusion zones will be in place from 1200-1400.

• On television The race start will be broadcast live via the Seven Network, through 7Mate around Australia.

Live coverage will also be webcast on the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website, with replays available shortly after. See  https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/

• On social Follow the event on twitter for race updates and via  Facebook

• On race tracker The live race tracker will be viewable at  https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/tracker

• Play along on Virtual Regatta

There is also a Virtual Regatta edition for the race, allowing you to virtually pit yourself against thousands over the same course, see  https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/offshore-game/

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Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2023 — how to watch and what to look out for

By James Dunlevie

By Chris Rowbottom

Topic: Sailing

SHK Scallywag is one of the four supermaxis competing in this year's Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. ( Facebook: Scallywag )

The sight of big yachts tearing around Sydney Harbour's blue water with crews scrambling over the deck at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart race, can be thrilling, if somewhat confusing, watching.

Where is the start line? Are those boats going to crash into each other? What happens if someone falls off?

Do crew members get any sleep during the race? What prizes are they racing for? What do you mean the first over the finish line is not considered the top prize?

Wait, what ... there is a boat called Imalizard?

So many questions!

Let's try and answer them.

Things can get a little hectic on the water at the start. ( AAP: Daniel Forster/Rolex )

Where do they start?

This year, the 78th running of the Sydney to Hobart, has a fleet of over 100 boats ranging from supermaxis (typically boats over 21 metres) to smaller yachts.

There are two starting 'lines' with the larger yachts on the northern line just north of Shark Island, and the smaller boats on the southern line.

Two rounding marks off Sydney Heads compensate for the distance between the lines, before the fleet heads to sea on the ocean voyage to Hobart, 628 nautical miles (1,163 kilometres) away.

When does it begin?

It's already started!

At 1pm AEDT on Boxing Day (December 26) the ceremonial cannon was fired, marking the start of the race.

The starting cannon may be small, but it is loud. ( Supplied: Rolex Sydney Hobart )

How can I watch it?

Race sponsor Rolex says the start will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live and on demand on the 7Plus app.

Internationally, the race will be available through YouTube on the CYCATV channel or via Rolex Sydney Hobart's Facebook page.

If you are in Sydney and on the water, spectators who wish to watch the start but not follow the fleet are advised to stick to the "western side of the harbour".

Spectators watch the start of the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. ( Getty Images: Jenny Evans )

Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".

According to organisers, the harbour will be "very crowded and traffic can be chaotic, so stay alert, follow the advice of race officials and remember to keep well clear of the exclusion zone between 12pm and 2pm".

Will there actually be some near misses?

The start is when things can get feisty, with crews trying to get their yachts into the best position before the cannon shot and on the run to get around Sydney Heads and out into the South Pacific Ocean.

This is when near misses and actual collisions can happen, with spicy language occasionally making it onto the live television broadcast thanks to cameras on the boats.

Members of the public watching from boats are told to stay in a "zone" away from race competitors, but that can still make for more potential near misses as the competitor boats weave across the water trying to find their best way into the start line at just the right time.

All in all it can look like chaos and often results in protests being lodged by crews who allege other teams of a wide range of infringements of race rules, across the entire course all the way to the finish.

Sometimes, if protested against, boats can perform "penalty turns" while at sea as punishment. Both Wild Oats XI and Comanche performed penalty turns last year following a scrape in Sydney Harbour.

Andoo Comanche during the start of the 2022 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. ( Getty Images: Corbis/Steve Christo )

Decision to make — follow the coast or head out to sea

Once out of the harbour, the fleet then begins to make its way down the east coast of Australia, and are faced with a decision — to either stay close to the coast or to go further into open water where the East Australia Current can carry them. The amount of wind dictates this decision.

After navigating the NSW South Coast, it is then into Bass Strait, where the worst conditions are generally found, with strong winds and big waves.

Simply surviving is the key here. Equipment failure and breakage ends many a team's race during this stretch.

Huntress aground on Christmas Beach, Cape Barren Island, off the Tasmanian coast, during the 2022 race. ( Supplied: Total Dive Solutions )

With Bass Strait successfully navigated, another choice needs to be made — sail close to the coast of Tasmania where they will find better water — or further out where winds are heavier.

Whichever the way, soon boats will be rounding "Tasman Light" and crossing Storm Bay. Then, they'll pass the Iron Pot at the mouth of the River Derwent . 

After a crawl up the often windless Derwent, boats will cross the finish line at Castray Esplanade before eventually settling in Hobart's Constitution Dock.

(Left) the John H Illingworth Challenge Cup for Line Honours winner, and (right), Tattersall Cup, the trophy for the Overall win, as determined by handicap. ( Rolex Sydney Hobart )

What are they racing for?

There is no prize money for the winners. 

Instead, crews race for trophies in a number of categories , the main events for casual observers being Line Honours (first across the line) and Overall (winner decided based on handicap).

The first yacht across the line wins the JH Illingworth Challenge Cup, while the Overall winner on handicap wins the Tattersalls Cup.

The Overall winner is considered a truer indication of sailing skill . The boats are smaller and lighter and therefore not as naturally fast. Getting them to Hobart is tougher. Handicaps (time adjustments) are calculated by a range of factors such as the weight and length of the boat.

The crew of Alive, which is competing this year. ( Facebook: Alive Yachting )

Most of the time, Overall honours are won by a smaller, slower boat, which outdoes its larger opposition when time is adjusted for size and other factors.

The reigning Line Honours victor is Andoo Comanche, which won in a time of 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, the boat's 4th line honours victory.

The reigning Overall winner is Celestial, which finished 2022's race in 2 days, 16 hours, and 15 minutes.

In 2017, LDV Comanche set a new line honours record, finishing first in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, beating Perpetual Loyal's record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds, set the previous year.

Comanche takes the lead over InfoTrack following the start of the Sydney to Hobart race in 2019. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )

Who can race?

The minimum age to compete in the race is 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

Each yacht generally carries between six and 24 crew members, the average across the fleet being 10 to 11.

The head of the crew is the skipper and often the skipper also owns the yacht. Other positions on board include the "helmsperson, navigator, tactician, trimmers and foredeck person, or for'ard hand", race organisers explain.

Two-hander boats (a category introduced in 2020) attempt the voyage with only two crew members.

The crew of Andoo Comanche celebrate their Line Honours win on December 28, 2022. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

After the 1998 race, in which six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired and 55 sailors had to be rescued by helicopter, at least 50 per cent of crew members in a team have to have completed a sea safety survival course.

All competitors must have completed an approved "Category 1" equivalent passage. One advertised course for Sydney to Hobart wannabe sailors offers five days of "continuously sailing" across a 500 nautical mile passage off the New South Wales coast, starting at $1,795 per person.

The start of the 1955 Sydney to Hobart, with Phalarope leading. ( Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia )

Conditions on board can be cramped and extreme, with very rough seas often battering yachts along the way. If a crew member goes over the side, that means teams have to circle back to collect them.

Winner of the 2022 Two-Handed Division Rupert Henry said for his two-person team, "we only manage around four hours max of sleep each".

"We know when each other needs to crash so we do it then."

As for people who easily get sea sick, perhaps this is not the hobby for you.

Celestial at sea on day four of the 2021 race. ( Supplied: Andrea Francolini )

How can I follow the boats online?

You can follow the race on an online tracker , which shows the positions of yachts as they move south, via a GPS device on each vessel. 

As the race goes on, you can see the course charted by crews — unless of course the boat's GPS device gets switched off, rendering it invisible to spectators and other competitors — an accusation that was levelled at Wild Oats XI in 2018 by the owner of Black Jack.

Yachts can also be tracked on the Marine Traffic website .

You can follow the fortunes of teams with the Sydney to Hobart yacht race tracker. ( rolexsydneyhobart.com )

Imalizard, Eye Candy and Millennium Falcon — what's in a name?

If you are the kind who chooses a favourite yacht based on the name, there are some good ones this year, including Imalizard, Disko Trooper, Millennium Falcon, Lenny, Mister Lucky, Pacman, Toecutter, Extasea, two yachts with Yeah Baby in their names, Chutzpah, Ciao Bella and Eye Candy.

Not among 2023's starters is Huntress, which came to grief last year after breaking a rudder, with the crew abandoning the vessel and it later drifting and  washing up on a remote Tasmanian beach , leading to a dispute over the salvage rights .

Imalizard, which is entered in the 2023 Sydney Hobart yacht race in the Two Handed category (two person team). ( Facebook: Imalizard )

Main contenders for the Overall title are Alive (2018 winner, a Tasmanian boat), Chutzpah, Celestial, Smuggler and URM, as well as supermaxis LawConnect, SHK Scallywag, Andoo Comanche and Wild Thing.

Barring disaster, the Line Honours winner will almost certainly be one of the four supermaxis.

This yacht has raced under several names, previously racing as Perpetual LOYAL, Investec LOYAL and InfoTrack.

In 2016, Perpetual LOYAL became the fastest-ever boat to complete the race, setting a new race record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. That record has since been broken by LDV Comanche in 2017. Investec LOYAL also sailed to victory in 2011.

Previous owner Anthony Bell declared after his 2016 victory that he would be selling the boat. It was picked up by tech entrepreneur Christian Beck, with the boat's name changed to InfoTrack.

Now called LawConnect, conditions haven't suited the heavier yacht in recent years. It is yet to win a Sydney to Hobart under its new name and ownership but is always among the leaders' pack. It recently defeated Comanche in the Big Boat Challenge, a traditional lead-up event to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Andoo Comanche

John Winning Junior took over from Jim Cooney as skipper of the newly named 'Andoo' Comanche last year, and had instant success, beating its rivals to a 4th Line Honours victory. In 2017, it defeated Wild Oats for Line Honours, setting a race record in the process, but only after a controversial protest. It also claimed Line Honours in 2019.

Andoo Comanche will enter as hot favourite for Line Honours this year after installing a brand new million-dollar sails package and winning the Cabbage Tree Island race – it did however finish second to LawConnect in this month's Big Boat Challenge .

SHK Scallywag

Scallywag looms as a wild card in this year's race, and on its day can challenge the likes of Comanche. Scallywag is lighter and narrower than Comanche, and is better suited to lighter wind conditions.

It has undergone modifications during the winter and will have a pair of Americas Cup sailors on board in Luke Payne and Luke Parkinson. Scallywag has never won a Line Honours victory.

Wild Thing 100

Wild Thing 100 will be the newest supermaxi to be launched when it makes its debut in this year's race.

Owner Grant Wharrington has modified Stefan Racing, a Botin 80, which he sailed to fourth over the line in 2021 and 6th last year. Under the extension, the yacht has been rebranded as Wild Thing 100. Wharrington took Line Honours in 2003 with his previous Wild Thing, but the following year, whilst leading the fleet to Hobart, she lost her canting keel and capsized in Bass Strait.

Some other Sydney to Hobart race facts:

Thirteen of the last 17 Line Honours victories have been claimed by Comanche or Wild Oats Wild Oats XI is not participating this year, the second time in three years the nine-time Line Honours winner has not raced. Skipper mark Richards said he'd be spending the time "relaxing somewhere with a beer in my hand" There are 21 two-handed crews (two-person team) competing The smallest boats in the fleet are a pair of 30-footers, Currawong and Niksen. Both are two-handers and Currawong is crewed by two women, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham The oldest boat to enter this year's race is Christina, built in 1932 There are 10 international crews competing in this year's event It is tradition that the skipper of the boat first in to Hobart jumps into the chilly water of the Derwent

LawConnect heads towards the finish line in the 2023 SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour in early December. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )

When does the race finish?

The Line Honours winner is likely to come in around 48 hours after the start, but this is very much dependent on the weather —  especially in the 22.2-kilometre final stretch up the Derwent River to the finish line.

This is when the wind can drop away and it becomes a crawl , with every trick in the book pulled out to make headway.

Yachts can finish at any time of the day or night.

In 2021, Black Jack crossed the line at 1:37am on December 29, followed by LawConnect at 4:11am and SHK Scallywag about 20 minutes after that.

In 2019, Comanche came in at a more reasonable time of 7:30am on December 28, with InfoTrack about 45 minutes later.

"It matters not whether it is in the wee hours of the morning or the middle of the day — a boisterous and enthusiastic crowd is on hand to clap and cheer the winning yacht to its berth," organisers say.

But the cheering was not just reserved for the first finishers.

In the 2022 race, the final yacht — Currawong — timed its finish impeccably, coming in just before midnight on December 31 , to be met with rousing applause from crowds at Hobart's wharf for New Year's Eve celebrations and an accompanying fireworks display.

Andoo Comanche's crew after winning Line Honours in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

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ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE: DEFINED BY AN INTREPID SPIRIT AND CAMARADERIE

Geneva, 23 December 2021 - The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race holds a towering status in the world of sailing. It captures the attention of a nation and enjoys a glowing international reputation that has long transcended the traditional boundaries of the sport. Rolex has partnered this legendary competition and its organizers, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), since 2002.

Over its three-quarters of a century history, the race has provided a platform for human achievement and endeavour, qualities that align with Rolex's core philosophy and which underpin the Swiss watchmaker's more than 60-year involvement in yachting. The 76th edition is scheduled for the traditional lunchtime start on 26 December, with a fleet of more than 90 yachts expected to take on the famous 628-nautical mile (1,010 kilometres) course.

Some 60,000 sailors and 7,000 yachts have taken part in the race since its inception in 1945. From its beginnings, competitors have been drawn to the scale and unpredictability of the challenge, and to the demands on their skills in both preparing and handling their yacht.

After a spectacular departure from Sydney Harbour, the fleet heads south along the New South Wales coast of the Tasman Sea before crossing Bass Strait to tackle the east coast of Tasmania, Storm Bay and the final 12-nm (22 km) stretch in the often decisive, and sometimes cruel, Derwent River, before finishing in Hobart. Most entrants spend four to five days at sea. Watch systems and resources need to be managed assiduously. To negotiate the testing conditions requires willpower, experience and intuition.

Sir Ben Ainslie, a Rolex Testimonee, four-time Olympic gold medallist and helm of the Great Britain SailGP Team, is a past competitor and says: The experience gave me a real appreciation of the sailing prowess and camaraderie inherent in offshore racing, especially within the Corinthian boats taking two or three times as long and being not quite as comfortable as the maxis. A neat part of these races is the fact that handicap means, whatever the size of boat, everyone has a chance to win. The weather plays a part but smaller amateur-sailed boats often win against the professionals.

Winning the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race overall after time correction and securing the coveted Tattersall Cup guarantees a place in yachting folklore. Matt Allen's Ichi Ban has won two of the past three editions, in 2017 and 2019. Should the Australian boat emerge victorious again, she will join two of the race's most celebrated names, Freya (1963, 1964, 1965) and Love & War (1974, 1978, 2006), on three victories.

Beyond the competition to win overall, the consistent presence of some of the world's most impressive 100-foot (30.5 metre) Maxi yachts has produced epic contests in the battle to be first across the finish line. The race record currently stands at 33 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, set by  Comanche  in 2017. Arriving in Hobart inside two days, a marker first set in 1999, has been achieved in each of the past four editions.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart attracts both professional and Corinthian sailors. Leaders from the political, business and entertainment worlds, as well as stars from other sports, have been drawn to participate. This all adds to the race’s appeal, which is already bolstered by a distinctive position in the sailing calendar and the pioneering feats of those who have confronted its many obstacles over the years. Matt Allen, a former Commodore of the CYCA, spent decades trying to win the event as a skipper. His story is one of persistence, of the time it can take to acquire the experience and knowledge to succeed. Having completed his 30th race to Hobart in 2019, he remarked:

“Over the years, I’ve seen amazing boats participate but it’s actually the people that  make this race and ocean racing what they are.”

Intrepid human spirit lies at the heart of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race’s creation and remains its foundation today. Rolex is proud to support a sporting contest that mirrors the brand’s own Perpetual spirit: humbly adapting to the elements, constantly seeking to improve and summoning one’s deepest resources.

A NATURAL AND SUPPORTIVE PARTNER Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events - from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024: A Legendary Challenge Awaits

As the 79th edition of the Sydney Hobart approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, an offshore racing enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the spectacle of high-level competition, the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race promises to deliver thrilling moments, testing the limits of both yachts and crews.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world’s most iconic and challenging offshore races, is gearing up for its 79th edition, set to begin in less than 100 days on Thursday, 26 December 2024 . This 628-nautical-mile event, known for its unforgiving conditions and competitive spirit, will once again capture the attention of sailors and spectators worldwide. Starting from Sydney Harbour and finishing in Hobart , Tasmania, this annual race represents the pinnacle of blue water sailing and is a testament to endurance, strategy, and seamanship.

The Route: A Grueling Offshore Odyssey

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is renowned not just for its length but for the treacherous nature of the journey. The race begins with a spectacular start on Sydney Harbour at 1300 hrs AEDT , where hundreds of boats jostle for position in front of a cheering crowd. From there, the fleet heads south, navigating the unpredictable conditions of the Bass Strait —a body of water known for its challenging weather, including strong winds, heavy seas, and rapidly changing conditions.

The final stretch down the east coast of Tasmania can be just as tricky, often offering complex tactical decisions as yachts negotiate the Derwent River, where the wind can die down or shift abruptly, impacting the final standings. The combination of distance, weather, and tactical nuances makes the Sydney Hobart race one of the most demanding in the world.

A Legendary Race with Global Prestige

First held in 1945, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has grown to become one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized sailing events. Each year, it draws competitors from around the globe, from professional sailors aboard cutting-edge maxis to passionate amateur crews in smaller vessels. The event has a storied history of drama, triumphs, and challenges, which has cemented its place as a must-do race for sailors seeking adventure and achievement.

Many yachts in the 2024 race will vie for the coveted Tattersall Cup , awarded to the overall winner on corrected time under the IRC rating system. Meanwhile, line honors, which go to the first yacht to cross the finish line, are another fiercely contested prize. The battle between supermaxis—60-foot-plus yachts designed for speed—always provides a thrilling spectacle.

The 2024 Fleet: A Diverse and Competitive Lineup

Entries for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have already opened, and sailors from around the world are eager to test their skills in this renowned event. The fleet will feature a diverse mix of yachts, from high-tech racing machines to seasoned offshore cruisers, each bringing their own strengths and strategies to the table. As of now, several prominent yachts have registered, and anticipation is building for a competitive race to Hobart.

Supermaxis like Comanche , Wild Oats XI , and Black Jack are expected to be among the top contenders for line honors, while a host of smaller and older boats, racing with experienced crews, will be in contention for overall victory on corrected time. These boats face the same course and conditions as the supermaxis, making for exciting and unpredictable results.

Key Challenges: Weather and Strategy

While the Sydney Hobart race has seen technological advancements in yacht design and navigation, the one constant challenge remains the weather. The Bass Strait is notorious for delivering fierce winds and rough seas, and many past editions of the race have been marked by storms that push yachts and crews to their limits. Strategic decisions—such as where to place the boat relative to wind shifts, when to change sails, and how to approach the unpredictable Derwent River in the race’s final stages—can make or break a campaign.

The 2024 edition is likely to be no different, with weather playing a pivotal role in determining both the speed of the race and the eventual winner. Sailors will be closely watching the forecasts, making real-time decisions on everything from sail selection to positioning.

A Spectacle for Spectators

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is not just a challenge for those on the water—it’s also a major event for spectators. The dramatic start on Sydney Harbour draws large crowds, both onshore and on the water, as hundreds of boats vie for the best positions to watch the action unfold. The sight of yachts racing out through the Sydney Heads , with spinnakers flying, is an unforgettable moment for those watching.

As the race progresses, many will follow the fleet’s progress through live tracking , as yachts make their way towards Hobart. For those in Hobart , the atmosphere is electric, as crowds gather at Constitution Dock to welcome the first boats in, often amid jubilant celebrations.

Looking Ahead: The 79th Edition and Beyond

As the 79th edition of the Sydney Hobart approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an offshore racing enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the spectacle of high-level competition, the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race promises to deliver thrilling moments, testing the limits of both yachts and crews.

In the face of challenges like tough weather, strategic gambles, and tight competition, this year’s race is sure to add another chapter to the legend of one of the world’s greatest offshore challenges. Will the current record-breaking times fall? Can a new boat or crew rise to the occasion and claim victory? Only time—and the Bass Strait—will tell.

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Catch all the action of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup , happening from 22 Aug to 27 Oct 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand .

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Waka Ama - 2024 Long Distance Nationals , 3 - 6 Oct 2024 at Oneroa (Midway Beach) Gisborne

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Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge , 8 - 10 Nov 2024 Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

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Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships , 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

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Best Places to Watch the Sydney to Hobart Race

Are you looking for the best place to watch the Sydney to Hobart race? I have three favourite ways to see all the action unfold that I would like to share with you, so let’s go… 

Over the years, watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart has become a Sydney holiday tradition. Thankfully, the race has a lunchtime start, so there is no need to crawl out of bed at dawn to be part of the action.

Updated: 14 December 2023

What is the Sydney to Hobart?

What time does the sydney to hobart race start, where does the race actually start, up close in the middle of the action on a harbour cruise, boxing day lunch cruise, boxing day byo picnic cruise, boxing day race to bondi cruise, from the north – mosman and middle head, from the south – the gap and south head.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here .

Every Boxing day since 1945, (other than 2020 because of Covid) Sydney Harbour has hosted the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. An arduous journey of 628 nautical miles south to Constitution Dock in Hobart. These yachts, from small vessels to super maxis, make an impressive sight as they leave the harbour and add the spectator craft, and it feels like a party out there.

The race attracts sailors with a variety of experience from weekend warriors to professionals. This year sees 120 boats registered , including 9 international boats.

Not being much of a sailor I had been content to watch it on TV for years however about 5 years ago I had a cousin visiting from Canada, and she was keen to see the race up close, so I was finally convinced to leave the comfort of the sofa and check it out. Even for a non-sailing enthusiast, it was damn impressive. I can see why it’s a favourite way to spend Boxing Day.

Some race basics

The starter’s gun will sound at 1 pm with a warning shot ten minutes earlier. However, boats will start getting into a position from much earlier, and the harbour is a pretty incredible site with all the competitors and spectator vessels filling this usually spacious waterway.

The official starting line is just off Nielsen Park, making this one of the most popular spots on the eastern shore to watch the action. Read more about how they manage the start of the race on the official Sydney to Hobart website.

Where are the best places to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart race 

That’s a good question and one with more than one correct answer, here are my three favourites.

I don’t think you can go past watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart from the water. Being out amongst the action as the boats head down the harbour and out of the heads is fantastic. You can see the sailors working furiously to get into position for the start and see all the little boats jostle for the best spots.

Tip : It can feel a bit more choppy with all the boats moving about, so if you are partial to seasickness, it might be an idea to grab some tablets.

Lots of boats on offer with a variety of price points and luxury. Some of my favourites are:

Captain Cook Cruises

One of the premium operators on the harbour Captain Cook will have three vessels out to get amount the Boxing Day action this year.

You can choose from the 3 hour BYO picnic cruise (on board bar), the popular lunch cruise and a special cruise that will travel outside the heads to Bondi!

The MV Sydney 2000 is a great ship with a full roof deck for the best views and commentary and TV coverage inside the boat to keep up to date with all the action.

One of the main reasons I like this cruise is the amount of space on the outdoor decks and the huge picture windows that are a feature of the boat.

They also have a fantastic spot to anchor at Parsley Bay between Watsons Bay and Nielson Park, which sees them perfectly positioned to watch the vessels race to the Heads.

Seating is at individual tables, and the huge windows mean everyone can see. Window seating is available too. This year they are offering two dining options across the ship’s three decks.

• Sky Deck – which is a 5-course premium menu with a beverage package that includes house spirits, superior wines, beers & soft drinks.
• Club Deck – a 3 course menu with a beverage package of superior house wines, beers & soft drinks.
• Ocean Deck – Shared platters, reserved seating and a welcome drink included – Sold out!

All levels have access to the outdoor open star deck

The Cruise departs 10.30am Darling Harbour, King St Wharf and returns at approx 3pm.

Board the John Cadman and make your way to the eastern corner of the harbour, dropping anchor at noon near Parsley Bay to watch the fleet make their way out of the heads.

The race begins at 1pm and the ship will stay put until 2pm when it will spend the next hour on a relaxed cruise returning to the wharf at 3pm.

Got the stomach for the open seas? Follow the action and the fleet out of the heads and down to Bondi on one of the Red Rocket Catamarans.

This 2.5-hour cruise is BYO everything , including drinks. There is indoor and outdoor seating and free wifi on board.

Vagabond’s MV Spirit

3 hour Boxing Day sail will be out on the water near the starting line for the big race. Along with great views of the Sydney to Hobart race, the captain will provide live race commentary. The price includes a 3-course seafood and carvery set menu. Beverages may be purchased on board. The cruise departs from Circular Quay at 11:30am and return approx 2:30pm.

The 2021 race celebrated 75 years of women in the race with excellent representation across the fleet

A harbourside picnic is a great way to use up some of the Christmas day leftovers and relax at the same time. Depending on how energetic you feel, you could combine a bit of a bushwalk to reach your chosen picnic spot.

One of my favourites is Georges Heights Lookout at Mosman. If Christmas festivities have you worn out, you might want to make the trip by bus otherwise you can easily walk from Taronga Wharf. Parking is at a premium so leave the car behind if you can.

Where: Georges Heights lookout along the Taronga to Balmoral Beach walk When: Front row positions fill quickly I suggest being in your spot by noon. How:  M30 or 178 buses from Wynyard Wheel-friendly: not really, prams with plenty of lifting may be possible Dog-friendly : No

Related: Check out more great picnic spots here

Many suggest that the trek up to the lighthouse is THE best Sydney to Hobart view. You can watch the yachts race up the harbour and view them as they move out of the heads and along the coast.

It certainly is popular here, so pack your picnic basket and nab your position early. I would say by 10 am to be safe. If you are coming from Circular Quay ferries will stop running at about 11.40am and start again at about 1.45pm. Do not attempt to drive here. There is no parking by just after sunrise!

With three great dining options, Watson’s bay is also my favourite choice if you prefer not to pack a picnic. Choose from a fish and chip take away from the wharf, a pub lunch from the Watson’s Bay hotel or fine dining at Doyle’s on the beachfront. All will be busy and require patience 🙂

Where:   Hornby Lighthouse  When:  Early – say 10 am to allow time to grab something to eat and walk up to the lighthouse  How: Early ferry from Circular Quay (they have stopped by 11 am in previous years) or bus 324, 325 or 380  from either Circular Quay or Edgecliff stations. Parking here is terrible on a good day, so try to avoid bringing your car if you can.  Cost: Meals from $10 takeaway to $$$ at Doyles

Looking for somewhere to stay near all the action? Check out the Watson’s Bay Hotel or Hotel Bondi

Where do you think is the best place to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race? Do you have any insider tips to share?

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help .

Paula Morgan

5 thoughts on “best places to watch the sydney to hobart race”.

Living near San Diego harbor I know how thrilling a big race can be. Love the different choices you’ve outlined and wish I were going to be there to cheer the race on.

Wow, it must be some sight to see all the yachts making their way from the start. I’d love to take part, but I know that conditions can be really hairy on the Sydney-Hobart, so watching from the clifftops might be the best place to be.

Looks like a really fun event! Have never been to Sydney but we will be there in 2016 for a few months. Will try to catch this if possible, thanks for the tips on best places to watch it from!

The Sydney to Hobart race seems amazing. When I visited Sydney earlier this year, I remember seeing all of the stunning boats. I can barely imagine how exciting this will be.

Best place I watched it from was Sydney Tower. I became the unofficial commentator to all those around me and much cheaper than going by boat

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2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Christian Beck after winning Line Honours in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: CYCA | Salty Dingo

Caro powering through the waves 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Sydney Hobart – Under 100 Days to Race Day

With now only 99 days remaining until the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, this year’s field of competitors is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. A total of 75 yachts have already registered, ranging from seasoned campaigners to first-time entrants – all gearing up for the 628 nautical-mile challenge. 

Yachts will descend on Sydney Harbour from all states. At this stage:

• 40 are from New South Wales
• 11 from Victoria
• 8 from Tasmania
• 7 from Queensland
• 3 from South Australia, and
• 2 from Western Australia

As the countdown continues and entries remain open until Friday 25 October, more competitors are expected to join, eager to test themselves against the elements in one of the world’s most prestigious ocean races.

Maxis and Mini-Maxis

The race will once again see the fierce rivalry between some of the largest and fastest yachts in the world, with a strong fleet of Maxis and Mini-Maxis already confirmed. Among the headline entries are several 100-foot giants, each with their sights set on the coveted Line Honours title. These ocean racing powerhouses will be racing not just against the weather, but also against each other, as they push their boats to the limit in pursuit of the fastest time to Hobart.

Last year’s Line Honours winner,  LawConnect , is once again firmly focused on defending its title, while  Comanche  aims to reaffirm its dominance in the offshore fleet. Joining the biggest of the fleet is the luxury cruiser  Maritimo 100 , the recently-arrived Oyster 100 owned by Billy Barry-Cotter, which will be making its debut in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Alongside these giants are  URM Group ,  Moneypenny ,  No Limit ,  Whisper , and  Willow , forming a highly competitive lineup among the largest boats in this year’s race. With such a formidable field, the stage is set for an intense battle as each team vies for victory. Last year’s overall winner,  Alive , is yet to officially enter but is eagerly anticipating defending its Overall title.

International Entrants

The global appeal of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remains strong, with many international entrants finding their way to Sydney ahead of Boxing Day. Yachts from countries including the USA, New Zealand, France and Hong Kong have already registered, adding to the event’s reputation as one of the premier ocean races on the international calendar. These crews, many of whom have extensive offshore racing experience, are preparing to take on the unique challenges of Australia’s east coast and the treacherous conditions of the Bass Strait. Among the five international entrants is  Caro , returning for its third journey south. A new contender on the scene is  Bacchanal , a new, locally-built JPK 11.80 to be based in the United States, making its Rolex Sydney Hobart debut. Another JPK 11.80,  Cocody  from France, is currently sailing towards Sydney in preparation for the race. Owner Richard Fromentin, buoyed by  Cocody ’s success in the RORC Transatlantic Race—where it finished first in IRC One and second under IRC Overall—has decided it’s time to take on the challenge of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Double Handed Entrants

The growing popularity of Double Handed sailing is again reflected in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet, with a strong contingent taking on the race with only two crew members. Double Handed entrants are set to compete not only for the Overall race prize but also to demonstrate their endurance and sailing skills in this increasingly competitive and exciting division. Currently, there are 16 Double Handed entrants, just two fewer than in the 2023 race. Among this year’s entrants is  Fika , co-skippered by the mother-daughter team, Sophie and Annette Hesselmans. For this duo, their offshore journey does not stop in Hobart as this race doubles as a qualifier for the upcoming Melbourne Osaka Cup.

The Oldest of the Fleet

The oldest competing yacht of the fleet is  Katwinchar , the Double Handed entrant Skippered by Michael Spies. Built in 1904 by the Watney Brewery in England,  Katwinchar  was designed for the now-defunct Rater Rule and enjoyed considerable success sailing around England. 

The restored  Katwinchar  made a notable appearance in the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart race in 2019, where it won its division and led the race overall for a time. With its recent transition to Double Handed racing, the boat has been adapted to a more streamlined setup, including the removal of the mizzenmast and a switch to tiller steering. While the expectations are set high, they are focused on maximizing the boat’s performance and enjoying the challenge ahead. With 99 days to go, anticipation is steadily building for the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. From the powerful maxis to the intrepid double-handed entrants, and with strong inter-state and international representation, this year’s fleet is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. 

THE ENTRANTS

Facebook: @RolexSydneyHobart Instagram: @officialrolexsydneyhobart

• The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart starts in Sydney Harbour at 1300 hours AEDT on Thursday 26 December
• This is the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. The inaugural race was conducted in 1945 and has run every year since, apart from 2020, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• The race is 628 nautical miles
• Entries close Friday 25 October 2024

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

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The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will again start in accordance with tradition with the firing of a starting cannon. The start will be at 1.00pm on Boxing Day, 26 December.

The fleet will start from start lines off Nielsen Park with boats on the northern line rounding "Victor Mark" and boats on the southern lines rounding "X-Ray Mark", at the Heads, and all boats heading out to sea and rounding "Mark Zulu", one nautical mile east of the Heads. The larger boats in the fleet will start off the front line, just north of Shark Island. The rest of the fleet will start from the southern lines, 0.2 nautical miles between each. Having two rounding marks at Sydney Heads will compensate for the distance between the lines before the fleet heads to sea on the ocean voyage to Hobart.

To give the yachts a clear area in which to manoeuvre before the start and then ample room to tack or gybe as they race to the Heads, NSW Roads and Maritime Services have declared an exclusion zone from 12 noon to 2:20pm on Boxing Day. A 6 knot no-wash zone will cover the Harbour from Garden Island and Bradley's Head to a line between North Head and Macquarie Light. Spectator craft may not enter the exclusion zone between these times and once the race starts the yachts must sail within the zone until they clear Sydney Heads.

As the countdown to the start begins, the CYCA's historic cannons will be fired aboard the official starting vessel, Olympic Storm, to draw attention to the starting flag sequence as follows:

12.50pm: 10 minute Warning Signal - Event flag hoisted and cannon fired.

12.55pm: 5 minute Preparatory Signal - Code flag P hoisted and cannon fired.

1.00pm - Starting Signal - Event Flag and Code flag P dropped and cannon fired.

A further signal (Code flag X) and a single cannon fire may indicate premature (OCS - On Course Side) starts by individual yachts which must then return and re-start. Yachts which have started prematurely will also be advised by radio within 10 minutes of the start. There will be no general recall.

OFFICIAL ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART MERCHANDISE

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!