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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Latest updates and live boat cam coverage

location of sydney to hobart yachts

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location of sydney to hobart yachts

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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.

syd hob spectate

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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Sydney Expert

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.

Racing Sailboat with Crew on Ocean

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.

location of sydney to hobart yachts

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 Gold Cruise seating

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.

Captain Cook Boxing Day Cruise view

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!

location of sydney to hobart yachts

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.

location of sydney to hobart yachts

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.

location of sydney to hobart yachts

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.

Watching the Sydney to Hobart race from the shoreline at Mosman

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.

Sydney to Hobart Field leaving the Sydney Harbour

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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Catch the Sydney to Hobart start from one of these 10 spots

location of sydney to hobart yachts

  • Published on
  • December 18, 2022

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The pressies might be unwrapped, but there’s plenty to look forward to on Boxing Day… and not just the cricket and chilled leftover leg of ham.

A large sum of yachts – differing shapes and sizes – set sail for Hobart; it’s a sight to behold in Sydney’s harbour. From super maxis to right down to all the spectator boats that fill the view, a vantage point rivals the MCG and your own lounge as the place to be on December 26.

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It’s a race that spans 628 nautical miles, but the first five or so are clearly the most spectacular. And the 2022 Sydney to Hobart has a strong fleet of 114 registered boats.

It’s an event worth seeing, not just on TV. Good thing there are options all over the place.

sth start2

What time does the Sydney to Hobart 2022 start?

The traditional firing of the cannon to kick off one of the world’s most spectacular races is 1:00pm AEDT .

Best spots to watch the Sydney to Hobart

Nielsen park.

The official start line is just off Nielsen Park , in Vaucluse, making it one of the more popular viewing locations. It’s a bit more spacious than some of the other lookouts, but have a plan and get there well ahead of time.

Screen Shot 2022 12 17 at 12.56.13 pm

Watsons Bay & South Head

This iconic suburb on the tip of Sydney’s east is a must-do for any tourist visiting the harbour city, so it’s a particularly hot location on December 26. There are a number of vantage points and lookouts between the wharf up to Hornby Lighthouse , plus there’s the famous Watsons Bay Hotel for those looking to lock into a more boujee afternoon of activities involving boat-watching.

It gets busy around South Head though, so leave a few hours up your sleeve to nab a spot and be warned the ferries will stop running late morning as the harbour gets crowded.

Great way to spend Boxing Day: at Watsons Bay watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in Sydney harbour. Followed by Fish & chips at Doyles. pic.twitter.com/MjA0CKXnQS — Rich Landesberg (@RichLandesberg) December 26, 2019

Just beyond Manly is one of Sydney’s most special locations, North Head . It offers vast views back across Sydney harbour and displays the city’s skyline in all its glory. From North Head, you get a front on angle as the super maxis gain pace. As the harbour exit unfolds, all the yachts will steer to the right and out past the headline before setting sail for the south.

There are multiple vantage points at North Head, including the City View Lookout , and the better-known ones offer supreme elevation to go with the jaw-dropping sights.

One of Mosman’s headlands or lookouts

Referencing the map above, Mosman offers a range of locations west of the harbour starting line; from Bradley’s Head right up to Middle Head .

There’s no doubt Georges Heights Lookout is hard to beat, accessible by car, public transport or for the more adventurous by foot up a steep climb from Balmoral.

Clifton Gardens is a recognised picnic location that also offers some unique angle looking east over the start line.

Dobroyd Head

The more inaccessible stretch between the Spit and Manly is Dobroyd Head, known for its wild waters, unforgiving rock faces and less inhabitable conditions. That’s because it’s directly exposed to the Tasman Sea, facing right in between the North and South Heads.

The positive, though, is a guaranteed unique perspective on the race; yachts move further away and slowly ‘get smaller’ as they depart the harbour.

There’s Arabanoo Lookout , accessible by car, out the back of Balgowlah Heights.

If you’ve got friends in high places or some cash to splash, this is an experience not to pass up.

The Clearview glass boat holds a monopoly as the only spectator vessel allowed within the Sydney Harbour exclusion zone.

A quick google search will present plenty of options for keen spectators – that don’t suffer sea sickness – after a front row seat with the wind in their hair.

Someone’s rooftop in North Bondi (!!)

Sometimes it’s about who you know, not what you know

Clearly a way more obscure suggestion, but those lucky enough to have access to elevation in Bondi should be able to see the super maxis start flying down the coast; some nearer the shore, others further off taking a wider berth.

Make sure to keep clicking back to onlysports.com.au for more content celebrating our sporting stars and the events that will define the summer holidays.

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Sydney to Hobart yacht race, day one reports from the bluewater classic as it happened

Sport Sydney to Hobart yacht race, day one reports from the bluewater classic as it happened

SHK Scallywag, with the Hong Kong flag on it black sail, off Sydney with other yachts around it.

One of the three main contenders for Sydney to Hobart line honours, SHK Scallywag, hits early trouble with a sail problem, but it's a close race with LawConnect ahead as the fleet heads south entering night one. Look back on all the action.

Live updates

Race tracker.

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By Andrew Mcgarry

Follow your favourite entry in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race tracker

Wrapping things up...

location of sydney to hobart yachts

We've ticked past 6pm AEDT, and the latest positions remain the same.

LawConnect sits 13 nautical miles east of Kiama, leading by 2.9 nautical miles from Black Jack.

Scallywag is a further 0.9 nautical miles behind, with Stefan Racing in fourth, 7.9 nautical miles behind LawConnect.

However the third and fourth place boats are going faster than their rivals, with Scallywag at 14.9 knots and Stefan Racing at 15.1 knots, compared to 12.9 for LawConnect and 13.3 for Black Jack.

These are small margins, but it suggests Scallywag is back making the most of the wind. If the crew can keep that going for the rest of the evening, they might be a lot closer to the lead by the end of the night.  

Hmmm ... some weather approaching!

As we speak, LawConnect and the leading boats are just passing Kiama on the NSW Coast.

So far things have been relatively straightforward, aside from Scallywag's sail issues.

However ...

A quick scan of the BOM radar shows there is some heavy weather (well some heavy rain at least) heading the way of the fleet (see attached map):

location of sydney to hobart yachts

Tracking individual boats

can you explain how on the tracker i can monitor a yacht i bet on ive got ichi ban -Scott

Scott, I have been having the odd-bit of trouble with the tracker this afternoon, trying to isolate particular boats has proved interesting.. 

However, if you go to the standings page on the website, and click the tab saying "Fully Crewed IRC", that should give you the updated placings on handicap, and the estimated finishing times.for whichever boat you want.

For example, Ichi Ban on the latest standings is 15th for line honours, 17.9 nautical miles behind LawConnect.

On IRC, Ichi Ban is 53rd - at this point the estimated race time is three days, 19 hours six minutes and 51 seconds, giving an arrival time of Dec 30 at 8:06.51am. On corrected time, (the right hand column), the overall time would be five days, seven hours, 55 minutes 27 seconds.

In comparison, the leader on IRC (for now) is LawConnect , estimated to finish at 6:51pm on Dec 28, for a time of two days, five hours, 51 minutes 46 seconds.

On corrected time, this gives LawConnect an overall time of four days, 10 hours, 38 minutes 54 seconds.

As the winds and circumstances change, so will the overall standings. But for now, Ichi Ban has a LOT of room to make up.   

location of sydney to hobart yachts

So far, so good ...

At this point of the race, a quick update.

Officially we had 88 boats to start with - 71 eligible for line honours and 17 two-handed boats, allowed in the race for the first time.

As of the latest figures, all 88 are still in the race, which means no one has had a significant problem or damage to the boat. That's good to hear!

There was some talk with the forecasted southerly winds this afternoon and tonight that there might be some retirements in the fleet.

Who's to know? At this stage it may be that the winds aren't quite as strong as expected, but there is plenty of time for that to change. Also, for smaller boats particularly, it may be the accumulated wear and tear of hitting bigger waves that causes problems overnight.

We shall see.

First updated standings as of 4pm AEDT:

Here is the top 12 on line honours, with LawConnect having a DTG (distance to go) of 596.3 nautical miles, ahead of Black Jack , with a DTG of 597.8 nautical miles. So LawConnect as of 4pm AEDT had a lead of 1.5 nautical miles. That appears to have changed since, but this gives a snapshot of where the leading boats were 20-odd minutes ago:

location of sydney to hobart yachts

The hours into the race, the leaders are a solid distance offshore, halfway between Helensburgh and Wollongong.

LawConnect still leads, and has extended the margin over Black Jack to 1.4 nautical miles. It's relatively middling going for the leaders, with LawConnect's speed at 13 knots, ahead of Black Jack's 12.5 knots.

Behind them, Scallywag is clear again in third, 2.6 nautical miles astern of LawConnect - it is moving at 12.3 knots but does not seem to be able to get too close to the leaders. There is no more word on the state of their sails and whether they have been able to get the main headsail going again.

Stefan Racing is in fourth, a further one nautical mile back from Scallywag.  

Coasters Retreat and the origins of the Sydney to Hobart

location of sydney to hobart yachts

Michael Troy has written a great feature on the small community of Coasters Retreat, near Pittwater in Sydney.

In the 1940s Coasters was home to several sailors - some famous, some not so but all with interesting stories.

The home of Selwyn “Dicko” Dickinson was the meeting place for the sailors, and where the idea that turned into the Sydney to Hobart we know today was conceived.

This group broke free of the Royal Prince Alfred Club and began sailing at Broken Bay and elsewhere as a rebel club. This turned into the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and an original nine boats who “raced” to Hobart as a cruise, with the big prize on offer of a dozen bottles of beer and a jam tin mounted on a wooden block.

You can find out more about the sailors from Coasters Retreat in Michael Troy’s feature here.

Flashback to the start...

location of sydney to hobart yachts

As it stands, there are 10 boats - including race leader LawConnect - within 4.5 nautical miles or thereabouts at the front of the race.

Always happy for a shoutout

Hi Andrew 🙂 -Natty

Hello Natty, glad to see you on the blog - hope you can stick around for a while, as the further we get down the coast this afternoon, the more likely it is that we will start to sort out the relative strengths of the leading contenders.

Let's hope that the expected "bash and crash" of stronger winds that are pushing against the fleet doesn't lead to too many problems on board boats.

As we've seen already with Scallywag, problems can occur even in relatively light winds, and when the windspeed gets turned up, things can go really wrong.

A quick snapshot from the tracker shows where things stand at this point. 

You can see Scallywag two back from the leader - Stefan Racing is just to its left, although the name isn't registering.

The orange boat icon on the left is the pace for the race record of Comanche in 2017.

location of sydney to hobart yachts

We've got an early challenger from outside the supermaxis!

We have focused so far mostly on the three supermaxis - with good reason, since the last time a supermaxi did not win line honours was in 2004.

But as things stand, we have another boat in the mix.

Race leader LawConnect is travelling at 17.6 knots, followed 1.8 nautical miles back by Black Jack (11.8 knots).

While Scallywag is going a little faster at 12.6 knots, it has been overtaken for third place, at least for the moment.

Stefan Racing, the Botin 80 boat skippered by Grant 'Wharo" Wharington , is going nicely at 11.5 knots, a little over 1.8 nautical miles behind the leader, Stefan Racing is - to use a racing analogy - saving ground a little closer to the coast.

The question of how the leading boats will handle the winds this afternoon and evening will tell us a lot about who is in prime position to win the race.

The small orange sail you can see in the previous pic tweet from SHK Scallywag is the storm jib.

With far less surface area on the sail to work with, it means the boat cannot take full advantage of the wind available.

This is why things are going to be difficult ...

location of sydney to hobart yachts

This colour-coded map shows the wind speed and wind direction in the waters off the NSW coast right now.

The arrows show that the wind is coming from the south directly north, so the fleet is heading into the teeth of what wind there is.

The green colour marks around 15 to 20 knots (27.8 to 37 kmh).

The orange colour shows winds that are between 25 and 30 knots (46.3 to 55.5kmh).

So the area the fleet is heading into is mostly orange, which means it will be more difficult to make headway into the wind.

This map shows why there will be not the slightest chance of a race record, and indeed the likelihood is that the leaders will not reach Hobart inside two days. 

The official standings will not kick in for another couple of hours, but at this stage is appears that LawConnect is a decent way in front, travelling at a tick over 14 knots.

Most of the boats are heading out to sea to get the best of the wind, rather than hugging the coast. The only entry that is keeping closer in is No Limit in about ninth spot right now.

Black Jack is moving at 13.3 knots, with Scallywag still suffering from the lack of its preferred sail, going at 11.3 knots.

The wind is not that strong at this point - we are expecting things to shift reasonably soon, with strong southeasterlies making life tough for everyone.

Adrenaline - Gift Ideas and Adventure Experiences

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Spectator Cruise - Sydney - Boxing Day

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Spectator Cruise - Sydney - Boxing Day

Chase the front runners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race down the coast towards Maroubra on a comfortable 24 metre catamaran.

Use 4 fortnightly payments of $56.25

Our Price:

Description

  • Follow the front runners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race down to Maroubra
  • Cruise aboard a large comfortable powered catamaran (not a sailing vessel)
  • Enjoy an Australian BBQ lunch with soft drinks

Setting off from Darling Harbour in a 24-metre catamaran, you will cruise through Sydney Heads and out into the ocean, following the leaders of the race down the coast to Maroubra. On board, you'll enjoy a basic Australian BBQ lunch and soft drinks as you sit back and watch the exciting on-water action. 

Intensity

Experience Details

Fitness and experience.

  • Very young children may find this a long time to be on a boat at sea
  • Not recommended for people with pre-existing neck or back injuries
  • Seasickness: This is a stable vessel however it is recommended that you speak to your pharmacist about preventative measures before you board as crew cannot provide medication 

What to Bring/Wear

  • Comfortable clothes suitable to the weather on the day 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Confirmation email

What is Supplied

  • Four hour cruise 
  • Expert crew
  • Basic Australian BBQ lunch 
  • Soft drinks

More Information

  • This experience is four hours in duration
  • Available on Boxing Day (26 Dec) only
  • Boarding commences at 11am for a 11:30am departure

Cancellation Policy

  • Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
  • Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
  • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

  Available Dates

Darling Harbour (Sydney)

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IMAGES

  1. Sydney_to_hobart_yacht_race_route_map

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

  2. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

  3. Sydney to Hobart yacht race

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

  4. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Course Map

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

  5. A Quick Guide to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

  6. Sydney to Hobart yacht race

    location of sydney to hobart yachts

COMMENTS

  1. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, starting in Sydney, New South Wales, on Boxing Day and finishing in Hobart, Tasmania. The race distance is approximately 630 nautical miles (1,170 km). [1] The race is run in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, and is widely ...

  2. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Latest updates and live boat cam coverage

    The boat is located on a chart of the current fleet location. The solid line is the direct course to finish. The current position of the boat in its respective fleets is also shown. ... The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will go down in history as a "Big Boat" race with the top three yachts all being over 60ft and early finishers. The ...

  3. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

    The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is pleased to invite eligible boats to enter 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The 79th edition of the historic 628-nautical mile blue water classic will start on Sydney Harbour at 1300 hrs AEDT on Thursday 26 December 2024. Full Story.

  4. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

    Yacht Tracker - Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Year 2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 ...

  5. A Quick Guide to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    The waterfront capital Hobart is popular with sailors who undertake the gruelling 630 nautical miles Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. ... Macquarie Lighthouse is a significant navigational mark for mariners, with its South Head location signalling the exit point of Sydney Harbour. Rounding the mark at Sydney Heads signifies the start of the race ...

  6. Sydney to Hobart yacht race

    From its beginning in 1945, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race remains one of the pinnacles for sailing competitors. Dismissed by some as "rich people and their toy boats", the race is actually a ...

  7. How to watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race

    Spectators watch the start of the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. (Getty Images: Jenny Evans) Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on ...

  8. Sydney to Hobart yacht race

    Race record holder Andoo Comanche holds the lead on the Sydney to Hobart yacht race — and favourable winds have it close to beating its own record pace from 2017. Look back at how the race ...

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

    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 ...

  10. 2022 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    The 2022 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, sponsored by Rolex and hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, was the 77th annual running of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.It began on Sydney Harbour at 1 pm on Boxing Day (26 December 2022), before heading south for 628 nautical miles (1,163 km) through the Tasman Sea, Bass Strait, Storm Bay and up the River Derwent, to cross the ...

  11. 75 years of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

    The current race record was set in 2017 by LDV Comanche, at one day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds - an unthinkable record for those who sailed in the very first race 75 years ago. Nine-times Sydney to Hobart line honours champion Wild Oats XI in 2015. Image courtesy Andrea Francolini. The first 'Hobart' sailors were friends from the ...

  12. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

    The Yachts - Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Year 2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 ...

  13. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

    The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will again start in accordance with tradition with the firing of a starting cannon. The start will be at 1.00pm on Boxing Day, 26 December. The fleet will start from start lines off Nielsen Park with boats on the northern line rounding "Victor Mark" and boats on the southern lines rounding "X-Ray Mark", at the ...

  14. Inside the biggest and smallest boats in this year's Sydney to Hobart

    At high tide in Sydney, Andoo Comanche only just fits under the Harbour Bridge. One of four 100-foot super maxis in this year's Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, it's 7.85 metres wide with a 47 ...

  15. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

    Enjoy Yachts as they competed for the Tattersall Cup. Race starts off coast of Sydney into Hobart. The journey takes place over the course of several days. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Event usually starts around boxing day. Fly into Sydney or Hobart International Airport. Race started in 1945.

  16. Best Places to Watch the Sydney to Hobart Race

    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 ...

  17. Catch the Sydney to Hobart start from one of these 10 spots

    It's a race that spans 628 nautical miles, but the first five or so are clearly the most spectacular. And the 2022 Sydney to Hobart has a strong fleet of 114 registered boats. It's an event worth seeing, not just on TV. Good thing there are options all over the place. The start line, just off Nielsen Park in Sydney's east.

  18. Sydney to Hobart yacht race, day one reports from the bluewater classic

    By Andrew Mcgarry. Yachts sail during the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (Getty) That's where we will leave our live coverage of day one of the Sydney to Hobart. The weather on the radar does ...

  19. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Spectator Cruise

    Description. Chase the front runners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race down the coast on this four hour spectator cruise. On Boxing Day, Sydney Harbour comes to life with colourful spinnakers and leading edge racing yachts battling to exit the harbour and begin the famous race. Setting off from Darling Harbour in a 24-metre catamaran, you will ...

  20. Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race

    Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. With 628 nautical miles of salt, sweat and stamina, the Sydney to Hobart is one of the world's toughest and most prestigious yacht races. Since its beginning in 1945, with just nine yachts in contention, the race has grown to includes hundreds of maxi yachts and weekend racers from across the globe.

  21. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

    A strong fleet of 110 boats is entered for the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which begins on Sydney Harbour at 1pm Monday 26 December. There are 8 international boats in the race, including entrants from Germany (), Hong Kong (), Hungary (Cassiopeia 68), New Caledonia (Eye Candy and Poulpito), New Zealand (), the United Kingdom and the United States of America (Warrior Won).

  22. From the Archives, 1946: The story of the first Sydney to Hobart race

    The crew of winning yacht Rani are pictured on their arrival in Hobart on January 1, 1946 Sydney Morning Herald Archives. Such equipment as suffered damage was, generally speaking, running gear ...

  23. A Yachtsman's Cruise

    Day 1: Depart Sydney's North Head. Arrive at your embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay at 8:30am. You will be met by the ship's tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer to embark for 10:00am departure. Enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North Head. From the Xplorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race ...

  24. Sailing

    Super-maxi LawConnect took the early lead as the Sydney Hobart yacht race set sail after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an 88-strong fleet on Sunday.