what time does sydney hobart yacht race start

• F1 Australian Grand Prix

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Ultimate Guide: Why pensioners Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham are aiming to go one better this year

In last year's Sydney to Hobart , Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham lit up Constitution Dock right on the brink of the New Year.

Onboard their Yacht 'Currawong', the two sailed over the finish line 18 minutes before the clock ticked over 2023.

While they may have finished 83rd, they were winners in the eyes of everyone watching on, having become the first-ever two-handed female crew to conquer Australia's greatest sailing event.

READ MORE: 'Assassination of character': skipper lashes out at Curran ban

READ MORE: 'He wasn't stopping': When Webby flattened a rookie ref

READ MORE:  Piastri's boss addresses simmering tension with teammate

Now they're back, ready to compete again on Boxing Day.

And while they're used to bunking in close quarters, 71-year-old Veel and 63-year-old Canham haven't always been overly familiar with each other.

"We are (close) now. We weren't close friends particularly when we started this but now we've spent so much time together ... we pretty much know what each other is going to say next," Veel told 9News Sydney.

For both women, while there is a definite love of sailing, another motivator for competing in the prestigious race is overcoming a stigma around their age.

"Just because you get to a certain age, it doesn't mean your future is in the bridge club or the bowls club," Veel said.

"You can inspire people to reach their own goals, they don't have to do a Sydney to Hobart, their own goal might be to own their own boat or learn how to sail," Canham added.

Last year, the satisfaction for both women came from crossing the finish line at Constitution Dock last year.

No doubt, there was pandemonium with the sound of cheers from spectators, coupled by the sight of fireworks only minutes after finishing.

But the two sailors aren't satisfied with just completing the race this year.

"I want to be there to welcome the last boat in," Veel said.

Ahead of the 2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, here is everything you need to know.

What time does the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start?

The famed bluewater yacht race kicks off on Sydney Harbour at 1pm AEDT on Tuesday, December 26.

Who has entered into the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

113 boats have entered for the 78th running of the event including four 100-foot maxis and several past winners.

There are 10 international entrants including three from New Zealand, two from Hong Kong, and competitors from New Caledonia, USA, France, Germany and Ireland.

Australia is represented across all six states with New South Wales boasting 60 entries while Queensland fields 18, Victoria 15, Tasmania seven, Western Australia two, and South Australia one.

How long is the race?

The race is 628 nautical miles long and takes an the winner around 48 hours or just under to complete.

How can you watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

You can watch the race via the 7 Network, with live coverage beginning on 7Mate from 12.30pm (AEDT) on Boxing Day.

Where is the best place to see the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

Accor Sydney recommends watching from the northern shore of Sydney, or even from around the Harbour Bridge. You'll likely be able to see the yachts pass you by at Cremorne Point, Bradley's Head and Clifton Gardens.

As for Hobart, finding a spot at Battery Point, where the races finishes, is your best bet.

Who is the favourite to win the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

There are a few favourites for the 2023 race.

TAB has Andoo Comanche at $1.50, followed by Law Connect at $3.60 and SHK Scallywag at $8.00.

What is the prize for winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

The winners will take home the Tattersall Cup. It was first presented in 1946 by the Executors of the Estate of the late George Adams, who was the founder of Tattersall Lotteries in Hobart.

Who are the previous winners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

2000: SAP Ausmaid

2001: Bumblebee 5

2002: Quest

2003: First National

2005: Wild Oats XI

2006: Love & War

2007: Rosebud

2008: Quest

2009: Two True

2010: Secret Men's Business 3.5

2012: Wild Oats XI

2013: Victoire

2014: Wild Rose

2015: Balance

2016: Giacomo

2017: Ichi Ban

2018: Alive

2019: Ichi Ban

2020: Not conducted

2021: Ichi Ban

2022: Celestial

What is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race record?

The race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds was set by LDV Comanche for Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant in 2017.

• sydney to hobart yacht race

More Sailing at Rio Olympics

• Read Today's Paper

Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2023 guide: history, start time, black sails, favourites, distance, tracker

It starts on a harbour, finishes on a river and in-between sailors will ride a wave of emotion. How to follow the Sydney to Hobart, its history, drama, favourites, when it starts and expert guide.

Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.

It starts on a harbour, finishes on a river and in-between sailors will ride a wave of emotion.

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is one of the most famous sporting events in Australia and one of the most respected ocean races internationally.

It is steeped in history, mystique and famous competitors.

It is also a revered sporting event contested by the best of the best in the world of sailing and racing and boats “one of the most spectacular starts of any sporting event in the world” according to our sailing expert Amanda Lulham

We’ve put together a guide to the famous bluewater yacht race covering everything from its history, disasters and past winners to how to follow the race and links to in-depth news and colour.

SYDNEY TO HOBART HISTORY, DRAMA, WEATHER, FAVOURITES AND MORE

How long is the Sydney to Hobart ? It’s 628 nautical miles long.

How big is the fleet in 2023 ? At the close of entry there were 120 entrants. This has since decreased to around 100 which will include international entrants, 18 two-handed boats, four supermaxis and a number of minnows.

What was the worst Sydney to Hobart storm? In 1998 six men lost their lives at sea and a massive search and rescue mission was galvanised when the fleet was smashed by an intense low which caused wild winds and monstrous seas.

MORE SYDNEY TO HOBART NEWS

OH BABY : Superstar to miss Sydney to Hobart

BOTOX BOAT : Crazy yacht rebuilt to race

SYDNEY TO HOBART : Latest news, rolling coverage

What is the history of the Sydney to Hobart? It started in 1945 as a cruise to Hobart and was contested by just nine yachts.

What is the best weather? That’s easy. Sailors love surfing. So any wind from behind or even on the side of their yacht will work. Upwind sailing is a real slog and can cause damage to boats and crew.

What happened to the Sydney to Hobart during Covid ? The race was cancelled for the first time in history in 2020 but returned a year later.

What is the Sydney to Hobart race record? The race record is well under two days which is quite extraordinary. Comanche, now racing as Andoo Comanche, set the race record of one day nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 second back in 2017 when skippered south by Jim Cooney.

Sydney to Hobart start time : 1pm on Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour off multiple start lines.

Sydney to Hobart arrival: On a finish line on the Derwent River off Battery Point. Usually around two days after the Boxing Day start for the fastest but it can also be as fast as the race record of just over one day and nine hours.

CAT WALK : Sydney to Hobart history

WHAT A FINISH: 2022 Sydney to Hobart wrap

Can anyone enter the Sydney to Hobart yacht race? Yes, but ever crew does need a certain amount of experience. Boats must also have the appropriate paper work for their rating, safety certificates, radio licences and other checks.

Sydney top Hobart prize money . There is none. There are however trophies for winners.

Sydney to Hobart favourite: The defending line honours and overall winners are back in 2023 in Andoo Comanche and Celestial.

Women in the Sydney to Hobart: Women have been racing the Sydney to Hobart since the second edition of the race when two set sail.

One made it to Hobart and there is a trophy named in her honour - the Jane Tait Trophy for the first female skipper.

What year was the worst Sydney to Hobart yacht race? 1998. That year 115 started but only 44 finished.

Why are there black sails in the Sydney to Hobart race? Many of the black sails are made of carbon filaments and glued together. This allowed for variation in strength across the sail

Some are also strong synthetics coloured black to keep the sun from rotting the sails.

Do sailors sleep Sydney to Hobart? Yes, Usually on a watch system where half are on deck and half before. Each boat has its own system but many use the four hours on, four hours off system.

Who is the favourite for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race? That would be Andoo Comanche for the line honours. Defending champion Celestial and URM are among the contenders for the overall but this is very weather dependent.

More Coverage

How big are the yachts? The biggest allowed is 100 foot and the smallest is 30 foot.

How do you follow the race? News Corp will be on the ground in Sydney and Hobart for extensive news and behind the scenes coverage form the first to the very last boat. There is also a tracker on the official website that can be ultilised to find the position of yachts and their projected results during the race.

What is the Sydney to Hobart race record? It was set by LDV Comanche back in 2017 and is one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

How renewable energy zones will increase annual power bills by $58

NSW is rolling out five renewable energy zones. So far one project is producing power. But already, administration costs of $110m have been foist on NSW households and small businesses through electricity bills. And that’s the just.

Our federal pollies fail to stand up for NSW on GST

The Daily Telegraph contacted all 58 NSW federal MPs and Senators to ask if their home state should get more GST revenue from Canberra. Read their responses here.

How to see the start of the 2023 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race by boat

You’ve bought a boat, and now you want to be part of all the excitement of the annual sprint to hobart.

In just over five days, 114 boats – some of them crewed by as few as two people – will sprint to the heads of Sydney Harbour and turn south for Hobart in a long passage race that will test even the hardiest of seafarers.

It’s a spectacular event from shore, but there’s nothing like being up close to the action, actually hearing skippers and crew as they fight for position at the start of what will be a long, bumpy and sometimes dangerous ride down Australia’s east coast.

And after two years of pandemic, it’s finally a chance for everyone who has not seen the race start from the water to get out there and see what it’s all about.

So, what do you need to know about getting up close to the boats on race day?

Here’s the boatsales.com.au guide to becoming a Sydney Hobart spectator boat.

When and where does it all happen?

The start of the 2023 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is scheduled for 1pm on December 26. 

The thing is, though, that race officials can change that start time for reasons that range from the lack of wind to too much of it.

The Sydney Hobart race uses four start lines staggered east of Shark Island. This is because the fleet is so numerous that there is no room to have just one big, long start line for all the boats like you would if the race started out at sea.

The boats are split roughly into their sizes, with the big maxi yachts – the most spectacular of the race fleet – leading the pack.

The exclusion zones come into force from 11.30am on December 26, and will stay in place until 2.20pm. Sydney Harbour’s normal navigation rules kick in after that time.

Check the weather

It’s vital that you judge the size of your boat, and the number of people on it before making the call to hit the waters of Sydney Harbour.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s marine and ocean forecasts are your first stop on the journey. Visit this site at least a couple of days before deciding if it will be a good day to be on the water.

You can also use the bureau’s MetEye function that gives extended forecasts of wind and waves to help you plan as far ahead as possible. For instance, the current prediction for 2pm on Monday is around 9-17 knots of northwesterly wind.

Most of the northern part of the start line will be well protected from the weather, but if you’re keen on seeing the boats make their tacks around the mark off Sydney Heads, it may be a bit gusty and lumpy. 

It will be a bit rough out there

Things are bad enough on Sydney Harbour when the ferries run and the wind is up, but add thousands of spectator craft jostling for position, and things will tend to rough up a bit.

It means that if you have a boat that tends to be a little wet, conditions are likely to be perfect for ensuring everyone on board will get a little bit wet, too.

Adding to the mess is the fact that the race start, officially scheduled for 1pm, will be on an outgoing tide running along the wind. If anyone is likely to get seasick, you’re probably better off staying in the lee of land on the northern side of the race course.

There are rules as to where you can go

It makes sense that there’s an exclusion zone in place to ensure there’s enough room for the sailboats to get a clear passage out of Sydney Harbour.

Buoys will mark the edges of the exclusion zone, with no boats allowed to anchor or idle within a set distance of the exclusion zone. Despite the exclusion zones, we’ve seen some very near misses between racing yachts and spectator craft.

The places where you can stop or anchor are also acting as transit zones for all craft heading in or out of Sydney Harbour, so expect a lot of moving traffic among stopped boats as the race progresses.

Boat traffic will follow marine navigation laws, meaning boats heading into the harbour will make passage on the northern side of the race course, and outbound boats on the southern side.

And how fast you can go

Almost the entire area around the Sydney Hobart racecourse on Sydney Harbour is a 6.0-knot zone, or about the same pace as a slow jog.

However, the area north of Watsons Bay, Green Point to Sydney Heads, is a “minimum wash” zone, meaning if your boat kicks up significant wash at 6.0 knots, you’re going to have to slow down even more. This rule will be enforced, so make sure you know where it starts and ends.

Where will I get the best experience?

Sitting on the start line of a yacht race is always exciting. Racing starts well before the signal cannon fires as the boats all jockey for position to get the best start possible.

Generally speaking, there’s lots of yelling and fast moves as skippers try and out-psyche rivals into giving away any advantages they may have.

Check the direction of the wind shortly before the race start to guess which side of the harbour the boats are likely to use. If the forecast stays true and there’s an east wind, no boat will want to be in the lee of the southern shoreline where there’s likely to be a big wind shadow. 

That will make the northern side of the course more exciting.

This year there are four maxi yachts entered – Andoo Comanche , SHK Scalliwag , Wild Thing 100 and LawConnect . Watching four big boats cross a line that’s 800 metres wide won’t be as exciting as watching 40 try and do the same thing in the same amount of space, so if you’re keen to see the start, sit more towards Bradleys Head on the lee side of the course where all the boats looking to make the best start will be concentrating.

If you want to follow the race fleet through the heads and out to sea, you’ll need to be in the eastern channel. 

The boats move fast, so if you plan on being there when the boats make their important tack south, you’ll need to be somewhere like Middle Harbour to make the slow 6.0-knot trek out ahead of them.

If you only plan on watching the start and don't wish to follow the fleet, then stick to the western side of the harbour. 

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.

And for the armchair spectators

Okay, so watching the race start out on the water is a bit challenging for whatever reason. The race start will be broadcast on free-to-air TV via the Seven Network, or online via social media and applications such as Yacht Tracker.

Stay up to date

Become a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.

• Learn to Sail
• Sailing News
• Submit News
• About MySail
• Find Yachts
• Find Events

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Course & Start Line

Article by Deborah Dalziel. Race information and maps supplied by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

To accomodate the 150+ strong fleet, the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will use four separate start lines. Five turning marks will be set to ensure all competitors are required to sail the same total distance.

The 75th edition of the race starts at 1pm AEDT on Sydney Harbour. After clearing the heads and their assigned turning marks, the yachts will continue down the 628 nautical mile rhumb line before turning right at Tasman Island to continue across Storm Bay and up the Derwent River to the finish line at Hobart.

Depending on the forecast wind, current and other factors, many yachts will sail away from the rhumb line to find the most favourable (and fast) conditions for their yacht. Getting these tactics right is critical to their overall performance in the race.

If you’re in Australia and want to follow the action, the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart will be broadcast on the screens of 7, with the race start telecast, featuring commentary from Mark Beretta and Peter Shipway, on 7 Mate from 12:30pm. Australian viewers on the go can also watch the broadcast on 7plus, with additional camera footage from on board  InfoTrack  available via the streaming service.

International viewers can watch the broadcast live on the official race website –  rolexsydneyhobart.com . Fox Sports Asia and ABC Australia will also broadcast the race start live to their respective international markets.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

18ft skiffs: spring championship, races 1 and 2, thousands of fans cheer on home team win at first-ever spain sail grand prix, ben ainslie takes franchise ownership of great britain sailgp team, a bendigo teen’s dream to sail around the world, emirates team new zealand and rnzys reveal damning details behind the ‘team dunphy’ bid, you’re invited: virtual breakfast with the inspirational women in sailing.

POPULAR POSTS

Cyca storms the national sailing league on day two, mysail – now serving sailors and skippers in new zealand, national sailing league makes its australian debut, popular category.

• Sailing News 540
• MySail News & Updates 123
• Newsletter 94
• Yacht Racing 30
• Learn to Sail 18
• Sailor News & Stories 15
• Safety on Water 10
• Clubs & Associations 3
• Volunteering 2
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Across Five Decades – Photographing the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Sydney to Hobart yacht race — day one of the 77th edition of the bluewater classic, as it happened

Sport Sydney to Hobart yacht race — day one of the 77th edition of the bluewater classic, as it happened

Supermaxi Andoo Comanche is leading a closely bunched pack of supermaxis in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, as the fleet heads south on day one of the contest's 77th edition.

Northerly winds helped the fleet, particularly the supermaxis, amid predictions   the leaders may have supporting winds all the way to Hobart. 

Leading into the traditional Boxing Day start, the Sydney to Hobart was seen as a race in four to be first to the finish — Andoo Comanche, last year's line honours winner Black Jack, Law Connect and Hamilton Island Wild Oats.

Big crowds were on hand on Sydney Harbour for the 1pm AEDT start — but the opening exchanges saw chaos reign, amid near-misses, protests and penalties for two of the big four.

Hamilton Island Wild Oats skipper Mark Richards let loose a number of audible obscenities on the TV coverage, as he and his crew tried to navigate their way to the Sydney Heads and out into the ocean for the trip south.

Race favourite Andoo Comanche had a poor start, not getting enough clear wind to move ahead of its rivals, and then being jammed by other craft making it difficult to do the required tacking down the harbour.

Skipper and owner John Winning Jr and sailing master Iain Murray were not happy, and even less so when they made it to the first turning mark but misjudged the turn and hit the mark.

They had to do a penalty turn, losing ground on their rivals. However Andoo Comanche raised a protest flag, claiming they had been infringed by another boat.

On board Hamilton Island Wild Oats, a spirited conversation took place between skipper Mark Richards and navigator Stan Honey, with suggestions the boat may have infringed rejected by Richards.

Finally Richards relented, ordering crew to "Deploy the jib! Deploy the jib!" before completing a 720-degree turn.

At one point Black Jack cut back across two of its rivals, running a fine line between LawConnect and Hamilton Island Wild Oats.

After the frantic start, LawConnect took the lead from Black Jack, with a gap to the two boats that had done penalty turns.

As the leaders got out into the ocean to turn south, LawConnect held the lead for some time before Andoo Comanche picked up some solid winds further out from shore and hit the front, 90 minutes into the race.

For much of the afternoon, Andoo Comanche then maintained and extended its lead over LawConnect.

As of 9:20pm AEDT, Andoo Comanche led by 4.6 nautical miles (about 8.5 kilometres) over LawConnect, with Black Jack in third and Hamilton Island Wild Oats in fourth. There were 8.7 nautical miles covering first to fourth.

Andoo Comanche is close to its own record pace, which was set in 2017. 

The record is one day, nine hours, 15 minutes, 24 seconds.

On the race website, the estimated time of arrival for Andoo Comanche as of 9:20pm AEDT is 12:38am and 44 seconds AEDT just past midnight on Thursday morning — which would fall short of the existing mark by about two hours.

In the race for overall honours, NSW boat Celestial — which was in line to win overall last year before being demoted on protest — leads from New Zealand boat Caro, and American entry Warrior Won.

Only two of the 109 entries in the race have retired so far. The two-handed boat Avalanche retired early in the race, with a reported damaged bowsprit, while Yeah Baby retired early on Monday evening.

Look back at how the race unfolded on Monday on our blog.

• 6:45 AM 6:45 AM Mon 26 Dec 2022 at 6:45am Andoo Comanche's lead increases - a race record could be on the cards!
• 3:32 AM 3:32 AM Mon 26 Dec 2022 at 3:32am We have a battle at the top!
• 2:21 AM 2:21 AM Mon 26 Dec 2022 at 2:21am LawConnect hits the front as Andoo Comanche protests!

Live updates

That's where we'll leave it.

By Andrew McGarry

It's been an eventful first six hours of this year's Sydney to Hobart, with protests, near misses and a fast start that leaves Andoo Comanche in pole position for line honours and a possible race record.

But don't rule out its rival supermaxis - LawConnect,   Hamilton Island Wild Oats and Black Jack!

The wrap of the day's racing will be live shortly. Keep an eye on this article for any major updates during the evening and there will be new stories tomorrow to keep track of the leaders as they get closer to Hobart.

Thanks to everyone for joining us today on the blog -   from myself, Andrew McGarry, have a good evening.  

Change in the placings

The order of the top boats on the water has not changed for some time, but now as we get towards the evening, there is one change we can report.

Hamilton Island Wild Oats is still getting a decent wind as it sits closest to the shore of the four leaders.

The boat has moved into third spot, passing Black Jack.

Hamilton Island Wild Oats is seven nautical miles from the leader, going at 22.3 knots. Black Jack (20.4 knots) is now 8.2 nautical miles from the leader.

An example of the effect handicap has on the race for overall honours

So when we talk about overall honours, we also call it handicap honours. That is because the organisers use a "handicap" - similar to horse-racing but not based on weight carried - to make the race fair between boats of different sizes.

As said previously, as of now, Andoo Comanche is on course to break its own race record from 2017.

However, when you look at the leaderboard for overall honours, you see why it is hard for the supermaxis to win overall.

The leader, Celestial, is predicted to cross the line on Wednesday morning at about 7:33am AEDT. When the handicap of 1.390 is applied, Celestial's corrected arrival time is for 12:09:48am on the Thursday (i.e) just after midnight.

If we look at Andoo Comanche, the predicted arrival time (which changes constantly) is now 7:53:17pm AEDT tomorrow night.

Because of its size, Andoo Comanche has a handicap of 2.047 - on corrected time, it's expected finish time is 4:13:40am AEDT on December 29, more than 32 hours after it would physically finish the race.

Right now, Andoo Comanche is 14th for overall honours. We will see if the northerly winds that are due to help the supermaxis help move the boat up the list as the race goes on.

Andoo Comanche's lead increases - a race record could be on the cards!

Andoo Comanche is keeping up a solid speed on the way south, with the supermaxi still going at 25.4 knots, situated 32 nautical miles south-east of Jervis Bay - that's a lead of 5.5 nautical miles over LawConnect.

The interesting statistic right now is the estimated time of arrival - according to the race website, Andoo Comanche is due to come into Hobart at 7:52pm and 55 seconds AEDT tomorrow night.

If that happens, then the John Winning Jr-owned boat would smash the race record by more than two hours!

As things stand, LawConnect is estimated to finish at 10:16:07pm AEDT - 43 seconds outside the existing record of Comanche.

A word of caution, however. There is NO guarantee that winds will stay this strong all the way, and if there are flat spots then that estimated finish time will blow out.

Plus, of course, there is no idea what the Derwent will have in store. If the winds die down in the river tomorrow evening, then it may not matter how quickly the boats get down there.  

A clip of LawConnect in the Sydney to Hobart

This article contains content that is not available.

LawConnect has had a good day so far, taking the lead for a section of the afternoon before giving up the top spot to Andoo Comanche.

The boat's team have released a clip of them in action on the harbour.

You can also follow them in action on the water with their livestream here .

Still a clear top four at the top

Back to line honours again, and the top four is clear, four hours into the race.

As the leaders approach Jervis Bay, Andoo Comanche leads by four nautical miles from LawConnect, then Black Jack trails the leader by 6.2 nautical miles, and Hamilton Island Wild Oats is fourth, 6.5 nautical miles back.

There is a gap of more than seven nautical miles from Wild Oats to the rest of the fleet, led by Stefan Racing, with Willow just behind further out from shore.

An early update on the race for overall honours

While the focus is on the four at the front, let's take a quick look at the race for the overall win.

As we said previously, the weather may well affect this more than most years. If it's true that the top four could make it to Hobart (or at least the Derwent) on just one set of northerly winds, while the smaller boats could be hit by one or two changes on the way south, then even the handicap may not be enough to even things out.

As of the latest update at 4:30pm AEDT, the American-owned Warrior Won is 21 nautical miles east of Kiama, and is going at 17.7 knots.

It's estimated finish on corrected time is 3:26:38am (AEDT).

It's nearest competitor is New Zealand boat Caro, which is at the same spot - 21 nautical miles east of Kiama - but whose estimated finish is five minutes 26 seconds behind Warrior Won.

In third is the NSW boat Gweilo, a further two minutes 45 seconds behind on estimated time.

Next is Celestial - which won overall line honours before being demoted on protest.

As they say in the (bluewater) classics, this is VERY early days, and will change a fair bit depending on events, the weather patterns and how clear a run the big four get.

Andoo Comanche is ripping along

Things are going well on board the leader Andoo Comanche.

The supermaxi is passing Nowra and has picked up speed again, to be running at 28.4 knots (52.6 kmh).

Clearly the further out you go, the better the wind - at least for them.

The winds are stronger again, with all three of Comanche's rivals going at a minimum of 22 knots (40.7 kmh).

One boat out of the race so far

We have confirmation that the two-handed boat Avalanche is the first entry out of this year's Sydney to Hobart.

It is understood that the James Murchison-owned Hick 40 boat went back to port with a damaged bow sprit.

It is the second time that the boat has been forced to retire from the race - in 2015 Avalanche was launched and contested the race, before retiring with hull damage.

Decent winds predicted for tomorrow evening

It's early days ... but having a look on Windy , the predictions are for 40 to 50km an hour northerly winds blowing the fleet due south through late tomorrow afternoon into the evening and night, which means if it's not going to be a race record, it might not be far off it.

The idea of the leaders being downwind the whole way to the Iron Pot will do their chances no harm - the big question is, what will the River Derwent have in store? Many a contender has slowed down or come to a standstill and watched their chances go out the window in the final stages.

We will have to wait and see.  

The leaders have passed Wollongong

The head of the fleet is going past Port Kembla, two and a half hours after the start.

Andoo Comanche is still getting the best of the wind, furthest out from shore. The leader is picking up speed and going at 24.5 knots, extending the lead over Law Connect to 2.1 nautical miles.

Black Jack is going at 20 knots and is 3.2 nautical miles back, while Hamilton Island Wild Oats is 4.0 nautical miles back, at 21 knots.

Will this be a race of two races?

As we settle in for the run down the coast, the question is what the weather will do and how it will affect the fleet.

So far, the winds are solid but not spectacular. The leading four boats are all travelling at between 19 and 21.5 knots (35.2 - 39.8 kmh).

The expectation is that the winds will remain northerly (i.e. pushing the boats south towards Hobart) and will increase in strength as the afternoon goes on.

The overall forecast is that the winds will stay northerly all the way to Hobart - at least for the leading bunch of boats.

The first real change will come on Wednesday, when a trough is expected to shift the winds to southerly, making it harder for boats to keep speed up.

By the time that trough comes, however, the leading chances may well have finished the race!

Just remember, the race record is one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds - so to set a new mark, boats will have to reach Hobart before 10:15pm AEDT tomorrow night.

It's getting tasty up the front

We are getting a sense of the different plans at play for the leading chances as we head towards the two-hour mark.

There is an arrayed line of four, outside to inside (out to sea to closest to shore).

Andoo Comanche leads on the wide line, with just under 600 nautical miles to go to the finish.

Inside her and a little further astern is LawConnect, which is still travelling well, 0.7 nautical miles behind.

Next is Black Jack, a little further in to shore and 1.5 nautical miles behind.

In fourth is Hamilton Island Wild Oats, but after all the swearing and penalties and lost ground earlier, Mark Richards and his crew are hitting the mark now. The boat is picking up speed on an inside line, and is going at 19.2 knots, just 2.3 nautical miles behind.

Some photographers will do ANYTHING for a Sydney to Hobart picture

There are camera crews on board various boats in the harbour for the start of the race, and they then have to make a hasty exit - unless they want to take the long route to Hobart!

But it's not just the TV folks who brave the water. Getty Images' Mark Evans got up close and personal to the water to get this amazing shot of Stefan Racing . Hopefully he's dry now...

We have a battle at the top!

With the leaders well and truly out in the open going down the coast, the supermaxis are able to take advantage of the winds from the north.

Andoo Comanche has found its sea-legs, so to speak, and is absolutely flying! Right now the John Winning Jr-owned entry is the furthest out to sea, going at just under 25 knots.

Comanche has caught up with LawConnect and is officially level, but   has a 3.9 knot wind advantage over its rival.

A little further back is last year's line honours winner Black Jack, travelling at 20.1 knots. Hamilton Island Wild Oats is sticking closer to shore, but isn't getting the big wind. Wild Oats is 1.6 nautical miles behind the two leaders, going at 17.9 knots.

Get ready, this could be a four-way race all the way down the coast!

Big crowds watch the start

The rest of the top 10

We've been focused on the big four, because they are the ones likely to fight it out for line honours.

But the rest of the top 10 has some interesting names there.

In fifth is the Botin 80 boats Stefan Racing, owned and skippered by Grant Wharington.

Next is the Reichel Pugh Maxi 72 URM Group, followed by Willow, whose best finish was fourth for line honours in 2016.

Then we have Moneypenny, owned and skippered by Sean Langman, and then Tasmanian boat Alive, which won the race overall in 2018. Rounding out the top 10 is Whisper, owned by Phillip Turner and skippered by Duncan Hine.  

What's the wind doing?

At the moment, the winds seem to be northerly / north-easterly, which will assist the boats in going down the coast.

The forecast says the leaders could well get all the way to Hobart with helping winds, which is why the tip is that the race record could be in danger.

The record is held by Comanche - in 2017 the race was won in one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

Just to show you how things can change, depending on the winds ... last year, Black Jack took line honours, crossing the line in two days, 12 hours, 37 minutes and 17 seconds.    

LawConnect still the one to catch

LawConnect is going nicely in the lead, the supermaxi has clear air in front.

Black Jack is second, and then there is a fair gap back to the other two leaders. Wild Oats is sticking closer to the coast, while Andoo Comanche is further out to sea in search of the best wind.

Another view from Sydney Harbour

Various ABC reporters have been out and about on the harbour for the start, and Nick Sas has posted this beautiful clip of the boats against a gorgeous blue sky.

• Art Galleries
• Shopping Centres
• Suburbs - Bondi
• Suburbs - Circular Quay
• Suburbs - City & CBD
• Suburbs - Darling Harbour
• Suburbs - Manly
• Suburbs - Parramatta
• Theme Parks

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Taronga Zoo

Bondi Beach

Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney Tower EYE

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Queen Victoria Building

Wild Life Sydney

Blue Mountains National Park

Raging Waters Sydney

Blue Mountains

Hunter Valley

Port Stephens

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Whale Watching

Home and Away Tour

Sydney International Piano Competition

Bathurst 12 Hour

Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival

Cole Classic

Triathlon Pink

Yabun Festival

Australia Day

Tamworth Country Music Festival

Flickerfest

Parkes Elvis Festival

Sydney Festival

• Boutique Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Budget Hotels

Kings Cross

• North Sydney
• Potts Point
• Surry Hills

Circular Quay

Darling Harbour

• Restaurants

Weather Forecast

Flights to Sydney

Places to visit in sydney.

Sydney Airport

Sydney Time

Where To Go In Sydney

• General Enquiries
• Advertising Enquiries
• Add Your Business
• Add Your Event

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is a huge sporting event in Australia that is held on Boxing Day each year.

Attracting some of the best sailing crews in the world, the race travels from Sydney, 630 nautical miles (1,100km) south to Tasmania.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2024, Dates, Times, Course Route & Tracker

The race record is around one day, 9 hours and 15 minutes. Each boat’s time is adjusted according to its size and expected speed, adopting a handicap system. The power-to-weight ratio is the most crucial factor in speed, and most boats competing in the race are ‘sloops’ – single-mast yachts.

For visitors wanting to view the race whilst they are in Sydney , head to Sydney Harbour as the fleet sails out to the Tasman Sea before heading south down the coast and over the Bass Strait. Head over to Nielsen Park, where the cannons will signal the start of the race, usually around 1pm. For those wanting to get up close to the action, head over to Middle Head Lookout or Headland Park.

The Seven Network, through 7Mate, will once again broadcast the start of the race live around Australia. ABC TV will also follow the fleet down the eastern seaboard and provide all the in-race news footage used by the various Australian and International news networks.

Seven West Media will webcast the program for those who can’t watch the live broadcast of the start of the Race on the Seven Network across Australia. You can also watch a live webcast on the home page of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website.

The Yacht Tracker page lets viewers track the entire fleet or a particular boat from start to finish. Yacht Tracker uses a specially designed tool that calculates the predicted results for every boat in the fleet so you can see how each boat is performing. Each yacht will be fitted with a tracker that will obtain a position using the GPS satellite network and transmit that position back to HQ.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Images & Photos

Sydney to hobart yacht race, nsw current weather now & 7 day forecast, sydney to hobart yacht race information & details,  event dates,  event times,  contact details, sydney to hobart yacht race area, street & hotel map, nsw, other places we recommend.

Do You Have a Question to Ask?

Cancel reply.

Please Enter Your Question Below

Your Name *

Your Email *

Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Upcoming events, sydney international art series, christmas eve, chinese new year, greek festival of sydney, sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras, sydney harbour challenge, wings over illawarra, newcastle 500, sydney harbour regatta, sydney autumn racing.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Sydney to Hobart yacht race: fleet sets off under dark skies after heavy storm threatens start

• Weather forecast is for storms and strong winds across first two days
• LawConnect leads fleet across the start line in Sydney Harbour

The 78th edition of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has begun under dark skies that threatened to be much worse as the scheduled start time approached.

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds blanketed Sydney Harbour an hour before the 1pm AEDT start but cleared as the 103-vessel fleet jostled for position.

LawConnect timed their run best to lead early, with SHK Scallywag next across the start line as the fleet began their journey towards the heads.

The 2022 winner Andoo Comanche moved into second place as the four supermaxis rounded the first mark, but soon raised a protest against Scallywag after the boats came within metres of a collision.

Scallywag later completed a 720-degree penalty turn off the coast of Bondi Beach in a bid to avoid a possible time sanction.

Crowds lined the best vantage points along the shore all the way to the lighthouse at South Head, although with wet weather forecast the number of spectators was down on previous years.

Competitors in this year’s Sydney to Hobart have been warned to brace for choppy conditions as thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast for Australia’s biggest boat race.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast wild conditions, including heavy rainfall, lightning, poor visibility and potentially hail.

Sudden and erratic wind changes, hail, rain and reduced visibility are all on the cards across the first two days of racing, the bureau said.

Easterly winds as strong as 35 knots are forecast for the far NSW coast on the night of Boxing Day and could affect the bigger boats in the fleet.

“What we’re looking at today is that trough forming over the eastern part of NSW,” said senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse.

“There is a potential for severe thunderstorms building up over the land and that also means that we could see those conditions over the water.”

Iain Murray, the sailing master of Andoo Comanche, which took line honours last year, predicted the stormy conditions would pose unique challenges for the four 100ft supermaxis jostling to reach Hobart first.

“We don’t like thunderstorms,” Murray said. “We get wet but it’s also very volatile for the wind.

“These big 100 footers, you have big sails and little sails and changing them is quite a process so you have to be well ahead of the curve and plan for it.

“It’s not like a little boat where it’s just “bang”, change the sails. It’s a half-hour mission to rig the boat for whatever you get. These volatile conditions are really testing for the big boats.”

after newsletter promotion

Woodhouse said that as the low pressure system causing the severe weather moved further out to sea from Wednesday, racers could expect a more “predictable” race.

“We’ll be seeing those easterly winds through parts of the Bass Strait, down towards Tasmania. After that, things look more predictable, with south-westerly winds around Tasmania and the strait towards the second half of the week.”

The thunderstorms are expected to shape the early stages of the race along the NSW coast and through Bass Strait, with the quicker boats likely to see less of the storm compared with the rest of the pack.

“It really comes down to how quickly some of the boats can get down to Tasmania – the earlier they get there, the more likely it is they will see less of the risk associated with the storms,” Woodhouse said.

The storms were expected to be “intense”, Woodhouse said..

“We are looking at really quite gusty and erratic winds. So that can mean that the wind direction and speed will quickly change and increase by quite a lot. So it can be quite dangerous out on the water.

“Along with the risk of lightning, heavy rain, and a potential hailstorm, it really is quite a lot.”

More than 100 boats will compete in the 78th edition of the Sydney to Hobart race, organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

The fastest record for the roughly 1,170km journey was set by LDV Comanche , which finished the race in one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

Last year the winning yacht, Andoo Comanche, crossed the finish line in one day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds.

• Sydney to Hobart yacht race
• Australia weather

Most viewed

LCE Old School is sailed consistently well - Andrea Francolini, RPAYC pic

Whisper is among the line and overall contenders - Andrea Francolini, RPAYC pic

Post start last year - Andrea Francolini, RPAYC pic

Race is on to win 2024 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race

Over 30 boats will be on the start line for the 2024 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race this Friday when monohulls, a multihull and two-handed entries will share the start line off Barrenjoey Headland for the 1pm start.  

Respected sailor, Theresa Michell, has joined forces with Paul Beath and his J/99, Verite, for their first major two-handed race together. Newcomers to the Pittwater Coffs, Beath did the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart in two-handed mode with another co-skipper. He and Michell’s first two-handed training session was a four-day return trip from Hobart.

“It was all upwind. Not particularly pleasant,” Beath remembered. “One of the reasons she is doing this race with me is because she sailed with me fully crewed in the Sydney Gold Coast race and the rest of the Blue Water Pointscore last year and we get on well.

“And this race is at a nice time of year,” the Novocastrian said of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s (RPAYC) 226 nautical mile race.

Although she halted racing at the end of the 1990s to raise a family, Michell’s credentials are outstanding in both two-handed and fully-crewed sailing, as a skipper, navigator and crew.

She contested the 5500 nautical mile two-handed Melbourne to Osaka race in 1999 on an Adams 10 that she also skippered in the 1998 Double-Handed Trans-Tasman Challenge from Sydney to New Plymouth in New Zealand. She has sailed on the international scene, done Sydney Hobarts and sailed an Olympic class dinghy.

“This is a new team in a new race and we think it’s a good distance. We’ll get our systems together and get organised,” Beath commented.

“It will be a demanding race because of the currents and fluctuating conditions.”

The pair are expected to be competitive against all-comers, including other two-handed entries such as Chris O’Neill, who returns with Blue Planet after finishing the race seventh overall last year.

“We also won PHS and were second in ORC – and these results were exactly the same in the two-handed division,” he said.

This time he will be co-skippered by Tom Johnston, who helped him to sixth in the two-handed division of the 2023 Sydney Hobart.

“It’s a fun race and a good location in Coffs, it’s not too strenuous and importantly, there’s been sufficient time between this race and the Sydney Hobart – I’ve forgotten all the pain,” O’Neill said wryly.

Among the latest fully crewed entries for the 38 th  ‘Pittwater to Coffs’ is David Griffith’s record breaking JV62 Whisper, which will likely battle Geoff Hill’s Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes, for line honours. Whisper is also a favourite for the overall win, but due to the many weather vagaries at this time of year, the race really is wide open in all classifications.

On his quarry, Whisper’s owner says: “With her long waterline length, if Antipodes gets reaching conditions, she is quick, she will take off. We’re in pretty good shape though and the boat’s in perfect order.”

Griffith says his crew will also hold them in good stead. Among them are Rear Admiral Lee Goddard, Michael Coxon, Dougie McGain, Michael Fountain and Brett Van Munster. 

“Either way, it’s a wonderful race and the Alfreds do a great job,” Griffith said. “Everyone loves a destination race and Coffs Harbour is a great destination with lots to do.”

Others chasing overall glory are regular DK46 rivals Khaleesi (Sandy Farquharson/Rob Aldis) and LCE Old School Racing (Mark Griffith). At the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta in early March, the latter placed second in the Open division on home turf, while Griffith’s boat, from RPAYC, was second. Another DK46, Nine Dragons, was declared the winner. 

Pierre Gal has entered the Asia catamaran Stealth 12.60 named Fez. The French expat, who lives on the NSW north coast, is a name locally and internationally, competing in the America’s Cup for France and has Australian victories too.

Incidentally, Gal won Division 4 of the 2019 Sydney Gold Coast race with Mistral, the same Lombard 34 that won the 2023 Pittwater Coffs race for two-handed sailors, Rupert Henry and Greg O’Shea last year.

Follow the fleet on the race tracker at:  https://yb.tl/pittwater2024

For all information go to:  www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au

Di Pearson/RPAYC media

ALSO ON MYSAILING

2024 Pittwater Sailing Yacht Show!

2024 NSW O’pen Skiff Championships

Best of the best to contest national yachting title in Newcastle

OGR – Winners and Losers on Leg 4

GSC – Andrea Mura reclaims joy on podium

Final Club Championship results at Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club

Outteridge takes the wheel as Schneiter steps back for remainder of Season 4

Windcraft presents award-winning sail and power line-up at 2024 Auckland Boat Show

Step into the World of Exploration Boating with the RAND Roamer 29

Tasmanian Sailing – Weekend Wrap

12ft Skiff – Father and son finish top two in NSW Sprint Championship

BYS Women’s Sportsboat Regatta – Day 2

Join Our Newsletter

• Name First Last
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Read all of the latest sailing news

Dinghy and Yacht Racing News

News from the offshore world

Cruising Stories from around the world

Boats & Gear

The latest boats and yachting gear

Watch everything sailing and boating

Latest Sailing News, Racing, Cruising, Boats, Gear and more

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

Entries open for 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

• 09 Jun, 2022 10:45:00 AM

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to welcome entries from eligible yachts for the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The 77 th edition of the historic 628 nautical mile race will start in Sydney Harbour on Monday 26 December 2022.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart made a celebrated return in 2021, with 88 boats tackling rough conditions and challenging light breeze in a race that had it all.

The easing of interstate and international border restrictions promises to entice boats from across Australia and abroad to this legendary blue water challenge.

For the first time in race history, eligible two-handed boats will be able to compete for the Tattersall Cup, awarded to the overall winner on IRC.

"In the face of much adversity, including border restrictions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was great to see such a strong fleet for the return of the race in 2021," said CYCA Commodore, Noel Cornish AM.

"Competitors battled conditions that typified the challenge which makes the Rolex Sydney Hobart one of the world’s greatest offshore races.

"It was a pleasure to welcome competitors to the CYCA ahead of the race start and we look forward to seeing crews from far and wide return to the race.

"I would like to thank our Race Sponsor, Rolex, for their ongoing support as we celebrate our 20th year of partnership in 2022."

Matt Allen’s Botin 52, Ichi Ban, was crowned Overall winner of the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart , clinching a record-equalling third Tattersall Cup.

Peter Harburg's Reichel/Pugh 100, Black Jack (skippered by Mark Bradford) , won Line Honours , with Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth (Jules Hall/Jan Scholten) and Sidewinder (Rob Gough/John Saul) claiming wins on handicap and Line Honours respectively in the inaugural Two-Handed Division.

Entries for the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart close at 1700hrs on Friday 28 October 2022.

VIEW THE NOTICE OF RACE

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

• Line Honours

Full Standings available approximately three hours after the start.

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!