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Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s premier blue water event, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will start at 1pm on Boxing Day.

Courtesy Destination NSW

• Thursday, 26 December 2024
• Starting line at Point Piper

No other commercial port in the world can boast the start of such an iconic and internationally recognised blue water classic, with the natural grandeur of Sydney Harbour providing a unique backdrop for competitors and spectators alike.

Ranked as one of the most challenging and prestigious long ocean races in the world, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race covers a distance of 628 nautical miles. As the fleet heads south into the Tasman Sea, the yachts will battle the elements before reaching the finish between two and five days later, depending on the size of the yacht and sailing conditions.

For more information please visit  Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

• Port Jackson – east of Sydney Harbour Bridge (PDF 3.09MB)

Coming soon

Tips for attending aquatic events

Sydney Harbour is an extremely busy waterway. It's used by recreational and commercial vessels, from big ships and high-speed ferries to small powerboats, yachts and kayaks.

It has busy navigational channels and special rules.

The risk of collision is much higher on the harbour, so keep a proper lookout for other vessels, swimmers, marine life, hazards and seaplanes. Be prepared to take action to avoid a collision with another vessel. You may need to slow down to travel at a safe speed and keep a safe distance.

If you're planning to go on the harbour, know your responsibilities and take extra care.

Make sure you have the right safety equipment and lifejackets for enclosed waters before you go.

Courtesy moorings and marina facilities on Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour has more to offer the general boating public with the installation of courtesy moorings and a destinations plan increasing access to services and amenities.

The pink courtesy moorings are available to moor recreational vessels for up to 24 hours (with the exception of Athol Bay (4 hours) and Spit Bridge (2 hours for vessels waiting for the Spit bridge opening), or where emergency mooring is required but not available. They provide an environmentally sensitive alternative to anchoring and are available for short term use by any registered vessel under the 20 tonne size limit.

Courtesy moorings have been installed around Sydney Harbour including Balmoral, Rose Bay, Chinamans Beach, Hermit Bay, Chowder Bay, Athol Bay, Taylors Bay, Camp Cove, Watsons Bay, Vaucluse Bay, Nielsen Park and McMahons Point West.

The Sydney Harbour Destinations Plan is another initiative of the NSW Government to increase the number of services and amenities available to the general boating public on Sydney Harbour through participating marinas.

Facilities available include access to toilets, pump out, water and fuel, cafés, kiosks and marine services. When out on Sydney Harbour, look for the green Boating Destination marina banner on display at participating marinas. Blue banners within the marinas show the location of available Boating Destination berths.

To find your closest destination marina or courtesy mooring, visit the Sydney Harbour Boating Destinations webpage.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Transit Zone

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Transit Zone was created to allow safe navigation through this very busy part of the harbour. It prohibits vessels from stopping or drifting under Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The zone includes the area around Sydney Harbour Bridge, and between Bennelong Point and Kirribilli Point to Millers Point and Blues Point. It does not include Walsh Bay, Sydney Cove, or Lavender Bay north of Blues Point, or the southern end of Milsons Point ferry wharf.

You can only travel through the zone to get to an area alongside or outside the zone.

Vessels must not travel faster than 15 knots or anchor or drift in the zone, except in an emergency.

 Restircted zones

Check if and where you can take your vessel on the harbour:

• personal watercraft (PWC) – you must not drive a PWC anywhere on Sydney Harbour. This includes its tidal bays, rivers and tributaries, Parramatta River, Middle Harbour and Lane Cove River.
• kiteboards – you must not use a kiteboard on the harbour
• sailboards – many areas within the harbour are restricted. Check maps and signage.

See Exclusion and restriction zones .

For information on seaplanes in Rose Bay see the best practice guide for the use of Rose Bay (PDF 373.38KB) .

You must follow the give way rules on Sydney Harbour.

There are special rules for ferries that display an orange diamond shape. This shape is called the 'priority over sail signal'. This replaces the usual 'power gives way to sail' rule during the day, meaning that sailing vessels must keep well clear of these ferries. The 'priority over sail signal' does not apply at night or if the ferry is overtaking a sailing vessel.

Sailing vessels must keep a minimum distance from these ferries of:

• 200m from the bow
• 30m from the sides or stern.

High-speed ferries display an all round yellow flashing light when travelling at speed. Be aware that they may be travelling much faster than they appear to be.

Shipping channels

Sailing vessels and powered vessels must keep well clear of big ships in Sydney Harbour's shipping channels. These vessels are limited in their ability to manoeuvre. You must keep to starboard (right) side and give way.

Sydney Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) broadcasts safety messages and shipping movements every 2 hours on VHF 16/13. The broadcasts start daily at around 1am.

Lifejacket rules apply on NSW waterways and you must wear a lifejacket in a range of situations. Children aged under 12 must wear lifejackets at all times on boats less than 4.8 metres, or when they are in open areas of vessels less than 8 metres that are underway.

Lifejackets must be worn by everyone on small boats less than 4.8 metres when boating at night, or on open (ocean) waters, or when boating alone, or when instructed to by the skipper.

It can be difficult dropping anchor in a crowd of spectator vessels. Gain experience and confidence by practising anchoring before the big events, and follow these simple guidelines:

• Know the depth of water before you anchor, you will need anchor rope and chain at least three times the depth of water
• Ensure there is adequate chain on the anchor, generally one to two times the length of the boat
• Ensure you have an appropriate anchor for the size of the craft. Carry a spare anchor and rope/chain in case your main anchor gets fouled
• Keep your distance and maintain a space at least three times the length of your boat from other vessels anchored nearby
• Keep 200 metres clear of submarine cables or pipelines. Check the boating maps for these location or look for signs on the foreshore.
• Carry fenders as spectator areas may be very crowded
• Watch the weather. Wind and waves can cause your anchor to drag
• Do not anchor close to ferry channels or exclusion zone boundaries.

As the skipper, you must keep a proper lookout – by sight and hearing – at all times. This helps you judge your situation and the risk of collision. This is essential to keeping everyone safe on the water.

When keeping a proper lookout, look all around, including behind you. Look out for hazards so you can avoid colliding with people, other vessels, structures, land and animals. Look out for vulnerable groups, including swimmers and divers, and smaller vessels, such as sailboards and kayaks, which can be difficult to see.

Be mindful of noise – such as loud music – that could prevent you from hearing sounds or signals from other vessels or people.

Take extra care at times of restricted visibility, for example, at night (between sunset and sunrise) or in poor weather conditions.

Make sure you're travelling at a safe speed . If you have a radar, use it to keep a lookout. Remember to dim the display at night so you do not lose your night vision.

It's recommended that you have a lookout person. They can alert you if your view is blocked.

Ensure you have appropriate navigation lights, particularly if you want to attend night time events.

• Check they are in working order and you have spare fuses, globes and torches before heading out
• Ensure navigation lights are on and working between sunset and sunrise
• Turn off cabin lights as they may reduce your ability to see
• If the vessel has a flybridge and weather permits, it is generally preferable to drive from there as you will have a better all round view
• Avoid using flood/spotlights high up. These lights reduce the night vision of other skippers
• When at anchor at night, show an all round white light where it can best be seen.

Find out more information on what navigational lights are required to be displayed for your vessel. 

It is important to have the right communication tools so you can stay informed while afloat. In the event of illness or emergency, a marine radio will give you a direct line of communication with authorities.

In the event of an emergency on the water, communicate with authorities on radio VHF 16 or if you only have a mobile phone, call 000 .

The Transport (Maritime) information line 13 12 36 operates from 8.30am to 4.30pm during all major aquatic events.

Random breath testing can be applied to skippers of boats underway. Keep below the 0.05 limit.

It can be a long day afloat and both skippers and passengers can suffer from fatigue, sunburn and wind chill. Be aware that the boating environment can multiply the effects of alcohol.

Sydney Harbour is spectacular. Let's keep it that way. It is illegal to pollute any waterways in NSW with oily bilge or galley water, litter or sewage.

Collect all your rubbish on board and dispose of it properly ashore. This includes cigarette butts and oil or grease from deck mounted barbecues. Stow it, don't throw it.

• Boaters on Sydney Harbour are reminded to keep an eye out for Little Penguins between North Head and Manly during the summer breeding season.
• A 4 knot speed limit in these 'Environmental Protected Areas' extends from Cannae Point to Smedleys Point, and includes Quarantine Bay, Store Beach, Collins Beach and Little Manly. This speed limit also continues north to 100 metres offshore from Smedleys Point toward Manly.
• Boaters must anchor at least 50 metres from the high water mark, which is identified by yellow aqua mark buoys and not in the vicinity of known seagrass beds.

Sydney to Hobart start time: When does the 2023 yacht race begin?

The annual Sydney Hobart yacht race is quickly approaching.

Last year, Celestial was declared the overall winner, while Andoo Comanche secured the line honours.

Will we have a new pair of victors in 2023?

The Sporting News  takes you through the key timings for the race.

Sydney to Hobart time: Start, schedule for 2023 yacht race

The 2023 edition of the Sydney Hobart yacht race will start at 1:00 p.m. AEDT on Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26.

As per tradition, the race start will be signalled by the firing of a starting cannon. 

Where is the Sydney Hobart yacht race held?

Competitors will set off near Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbour, before making their way towards Sydney Heads. 

The yachts will then follow the east coast of Australia en route to the infamous Bass Strait. 

The finish line of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is located off Castray Esplanade on the River Derwent, followed by spectators greeting them at Kings Pier in Hobart.

How to watch the Sydney Hobart Yacht race

7mate will again broadcast the start of the race live across Australia.

ABC TV will also follow the fleet down the east coast and publish news footage.

Sydney Hobart yacht race: 2023 fleet

113 yachts have confirmed their participation in the 2023 Sydney Hobart yacht race – seven less than last year.

The full list of entrants can be viewed here.

Sydney Hobart: Last 10 race winners

Line honours winners.

Handicap winners

Nine’s Wide World of Sports

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

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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.

Two handed crew Kathy Veel, 70 Owner/co-skipper, and Bridget Canham, 62 on their 50 year old boat Currawong before the Sydney to Hobart in 2022.  Sydney Morning Herald/Louise Kennerley

"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.

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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.

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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

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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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.

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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.

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.

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

Topic: Sport

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.

There were big crowds on hand on Sydney Harbour to watch the fleet set sail in the 77th Sydney to Hobart yacht race. ( Getty Images: Jenny Evans )

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.

Supermaxi LawConnect (right) has hit the front and leads the fleet down the NSW coast on day one of the Sydney to Hobart.  ( ABC News: Tim Swanston  )

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.

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

We have a battle at the top, lawconnect hits the front as andoo comanche protests, live updates, that's where we'll leave it, a 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 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

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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...

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.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

• About the race
• Southern Cross Cup
• Race Reports
• Start & Finish Villages
• Hobart & Beyond

The finish line of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is located off Castray Esplanade on the River Derwent and some 12 nautical miles from the Iron Pot which marks the entrance to the Derwent Estuary. This 12 mile stretch of water has provided some exciting and frustrating moments for many competitors.

A yacht with a substantial lead at the Iron Pot, running out of breeze within site of the finishing line, only to be overtaken by another yacht carrying the breeze up the river, has only been too common in the race. The River Derwent has many moods; it can provide howling westerly gales, rain swept southerlies or oily calm waters. The tide and currents over the river tests the skills of every competing sailor.

At the finish line, a flotilla of spectator craft follow the leading yachts to the finish and provide them with a rousing reception when the finishing canon fires. The surrounding foreshore and wharf areas are lined with spectators, waiting to catch a glimpse of the winner. 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.

And the cheering does not stop then, for each yacht that crosses the finish line is greeted with almost as much enthusiasm as the winner, as they make their way along Constitution Dock into their berth at Kings Pier. 

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!