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The 80th Sydney to Hobart will begin as usual in Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. Despite tormenting weather in last year’s race, which contributed to the deaths of two sailors aboard racing yachts, most sailors were undeterred from entering the notorious ocean race this year.
A significant 129 yachts have entered, 17 more than last year, including six 100-footers – the most since 2014. From how to watch the race, to a list of favourites to take home the two trophies on offer, here’s everything you need to know about the 80th Sydney to Hobart race.
Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe on board LawConnect during the Cabbage Tree Island Race earlier this month.Credit: Getty Images
What is the Sydney to Hobart race?
The Sydney to Hobart is an annual ocean sailing race that departs from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, with the fleet arriving in Hobart some time in the days after. Yachts travel 1163 kilometres, or 628 nautical miles, and the race record, set in 2017 by Comanche, is one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.
The race starts at 1pm and is hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia based in the harbourside suburb of Rushcutters Bay.
The fleet are challenging for two main trophies as well as the first places in their respective divisions, broken down by the type of yacht. The line honours trophy is awarded to the first yacht over the finish line but the overall winner, the Tattersall Cup, is given to the fastest yacht to finish after a handicap is applied.
What safety changes have been made this year?
This year an investigation was conducted into the 2024 race after the deaths of two sailors, Nick Smith and Roy Quaden, and of a man overboard incident on the Porco Rosso yacht, which left sailor Luke Watkins in the water for 45 minutes before being rescued.
“There was obviously a review and an investigation into the tragic loss of life last year and there have been some quite significant changes,” overall winner and commodore of the CYCA, Sam Haynes, said. “We’re always looking at trying to improve the safety in the sport in any case but there [were] some specifics which came to the attention of the club and the racing community.”
The changes include mandating that every crew member wear a man overboard detection system on top of the already required personal locator beam. It is also now required that at least 50 per cent of each crew complete their vessel’s qualifying race.
Who will win?
Last year, LawConnect won line honours after skipper Christian Beck described the first night of the race as the worst experience he’s ever had sailing. The yacht has won line honours for the last two years and five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has joined the crew this year.
Beck isn’t too confident about his chances to claim a third straight win.
“Last year obviously Comanche ripped their main sail in half, and we’re probably unlikely to be that lucky again this year because those mistakes happen, but they are quite rare,” he said.
Haynes is the defending overall winner aboard Celestial V70, winning last year by the second-largest margin in the history of the Tattersall Cup.
“Ultimately, if I can hold that trophy above my head – which is not as easy as it looks, I must say as I dropped it last year– but, if I can get that chance again I’ll be grabbing it for sure,” he said.
How to watch the race
The race will be broadcast on Channel 9, but the start can be viewed from plenty of spots along the harbour.
If you’re north of the bridge, Georges Head Lookout, Mosman’s Obelisk Battery or the North Head Lookout should all provide a glimpse of the fleet, while Nielsen Park, Watsons Bay and Hornby Lighthouse, South Head, Christison Park and Lady Bay Beach should do the same for those looking for a spot south of the Harbour Bridge.
Alternatively, if you’re keen on a swim, any eastern suburbs beaches south of the heads should offer a view of the passing yachts too.
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