sydney to hobart yacht race spectator boats price

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

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. 

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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Silver Spirit

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Sydney to Hobart yacht race tickets 2024

Exclusive spectator cruise on board Silver Spirit for the 2024 race

Boxing Day 2024, is the day millions of eyes turn to Sydney Harbour for the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – one of the world’s greatest ocean races. While the skippers have their sights set on Hobart, the spectators on our Boxing Day cruises eagerly anticipate all the amazing action as the massive fleet competes for the perfect starting position.

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). The race is run in conjunction with the  Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and is widely considered to be one of the most difficult  yacht races  in the world.

Silver Spirit is our beautiful timber cruiser, a classic yacht full of charm, she offers exclusive cruises for small groups. For her Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart yacht race tickets 2023, she has a maximum guest capacity of just 30. This is to allow those lucky few the space to enjoy the boat crowd free with uninterrupted viewing of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race. View more details on Silver Spirit; here .

The Details

Boxing Day Cruise Schedule

10.45-11.00 Guests arrive at King Street Wharf

11.00-11.14 boarding, briefing and welcome drinks

11.15 – 12.45 substantial canapés served and bar service, watch the yachts warm-up

12.45-12.59 Yachts in position

13.00 Canons – The race starts

13.00-13.30 Follow alongside yachts towards heads

13.30-14.15 Cruise back to the city

14.15-14.30 return to King Street Wharf and disembark

King Street Wharf – Darling Harbour Wharf # TBC @ 11am, 26th December 2024

King Street Wharf – Darling Harbour Wharf # TBC @ 2.30pm, 26th December 2024

Max 30 guests

All-inclusive

Cruise is crewed by her owners; support a small family-run Australian business

Boxing Day 2024

2024 ticket price $375pp

Sydney to Hobart yacht race tickets 2024 Inclusions

De Bortoli Prosecco,VIC 

McGuigan Zero Sparkling, SA

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough NZ Houghton Margaret River Chardonnay, WA

Rose D’Amelie AOC Luberon Rose, France

Devils Corner Pinot Noir, Tas Taylors Estate Shiraz, SA Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, SA

Australian Beer and Cider

Pure Blonde, Coopers Pale Ale, Tooheys New, Great Northern, Apple Cider,

Selection of soft drinks, teas and coffees

Menus are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the date.

Silver Spirit Boxing Day 2024 Cruise Menu

Vegetable spring rolls with edamame and sweet chilli sauce [VGN] [V] Fresh king prawns with seafood sauce [S] Arancini balls [V] Vermicelli rice noodle boxes [GF]

Salt and Pepper Squid bowls with tartare sauce and lemon wedge

Cream filled profiteroles

Menus are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the date. Please advise of dietaries in advance.

Pictures were taken on Silver Spirits Sydney to Hobart yacht race tickets in previous years.

The race was initially planned to be a cruise by Peter Luke and some friends who had formed a club for those who enjoyed cruising as opposed to racing, however, when a visiting British Royal Navy Officer, Captain John Illingworth, suggested it be made a race, the event was born. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has grown over the decades, since the inaugural race in 1945, to become one of the top three offshore yacht races in the world, and it now attracts maxi yachts from all around the globe. 

Past Sydney to Hobart Cruise Guest’s Reviews

An amazing day onboard Silver Spirit. We were in Sydney to tick off a bucket list wish. We had read the reviews but were dubious as to how close we would be to the start of the Sydney Hobart. If we were any closer, we would have been taking part. Totally blown away with the skipper and his knowledge and ability to get us right on the line. Thomasin and her helper produced amazing canapes, open bar. Huge amount of room to be able to move around. Thank you, thank you.

Sydney to Hobart Cruise 2022

Perfect size boat with a cosy family feel and plenty of room on board. Excellent day, food and wine delicious and served with care. As for the exhilarating chase as the race got going….wow just wow This is a top 10 life experience, if you are lucky enough to get on board, you will not regret it!

Hayley – Sydney to Hobart Cruise 2022

View more reviews on TripAdvisor

Boxing Day Cruise Tickets

3.5 hour cruise

Catering included

Max 180 guests

All-inclusive of food and drinks

4 hour cruise

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• Thu, 26 Dec, 10:15am - 3pm AEDT (Opens in new tab)

2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Official Spectator Vessel "THE JACKSON"

Thu, 26 Dec, 10:15am - 3pm AEDT

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Event description

Be on the MAIN DECK of the official and only public  spectator vessel within the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Exclusion Zone  aboard Sydney's most luxurious charter superyacht, The Jackson! The Jackson's MAIN DECK will provide everchanging and upfront 360 degree views of the start of this iconic ocean race. Be inside the Exclusion Zone, be on the start line, hear the firing of the 10-minute, 5-minute and start canons, as well as see the fleet jostle for position in and around the thrilling start line on Sydney Harbour.  

The  MAIN DECK of The Jackson provides floor-to-ceiling windows, designer décor and luxurious furnishings, dedicated bar, and direct access to both the front and back outdoor decks.  This year we have added extra seating and tables to accommodate a limited number of guests.

A selection of official 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race merchandise will be available for purchase on-board the vessel too.  

As always it will be a wonderful spectacle watching the yachts race out of Sydney Harbour to start their journey in one of the world’s most gruelling ocean yacht races.

Tickets include:

• Luxury four hour Boxing Day cruise on the MAIN DECK  of The Jackson within Sydney Harbour *
• C anapés and substantial canapés throughout the day  
• Premium beverages including beer, red, white and rose wine, sparkling wine, non-alcoholic, soft drinks and fruit juice during the entire cruise
• Live commentary of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
• 5-metre built-in LED screen streaming Channel Seven live telecast
• Departing and returning from King Street Wharf 1
• Boarding from 0945hr
• DEPARTING 1015hrs SHARP , Returning approx. 1500hrs

Price:  $390pp (GST included)

DEPARTURE AND RETURN VENUE:

King Street Wharf No.1, Darling Harbour

*MAIN DECK ACCESS ONLY. NO ACCESS TO THE PRIVATE FUNCTIONS ON THE MID AND TOP DECKS.

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

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26/12/2023 @ 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race official spectator vessel “THE JACKSON” – SOLD OUT

The Jackson is officially SOLD OUT for the 2023 Boxing Day Start.

The official and only public  spectator vessel within the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Exclusion Zone .  Enjoy being on The Main Deck for the start of this year’s race aboard Sydney’s newest and most luxurious superyacht inspired vessel, The Jackson!

Tickets include:

• Luxury four hour Boxing Day lunch cruise 
• Canapés and substantial canapés throughout the day 
• Premium beverages including beer, red, white and rose wine, sparkling wine, non-alcoholic, soft drinks and fruit juice during the entire cruise
• Live commentary of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
• 5-metre built-in LED screen streaming Channel Seven live telecast
• Departing and returning from King Street Wharf 1
• Boarding at 0930 HR
• DEPARTING 1000hrs SHARP , Returning 1500hrs

Price:  $360pp (GST included)

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Sydney To Hobart

Boxing day cruises – the best day to be on sydney harbour..

The day begins with a short cruise on Sydney Harbour before we take up our priority position right on the start line for Australia’s premier Blue Water Racing Classic. From this position, we can gain a full appreciation for the pre – race tactics in the final minutes before the starting gun is fired.

Your host and veteran yacht racing champion skipper, John Boyce says “Boxing Day is the best day of the year to be on Sydney Harbour and the best boat to be on belongs to anyone else” because the colourful start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race attracts all the “once a year boaters” on to the water creating navigational problems for spectator vessels. Both sides of the exclusion zone (reserved to give the racing yachts clear passage and room to manoeuvre) are “jam-packed” with craft, all trying to get a better view of the on water excitement.

It takes all John’s skills, as a charter skipper with more than 30 years experience, to position “Sydney Sundancer” right on the start line as the starting gun is fired, thus ensuring a clear uninterrupted view of the competing craft for all guests aboard. The following images were all taken by Lynne from the decks of Sydney Sundancer over the last 7 years.

John always gets  THE BEST POSITION  to witness all the excitement of the start of the race  EVERY YEAR!    Maintaining this position on the starting line surrounded by hundreds of boats in close proximity is a skill not to be underestimated, and it is only by this method that guests can take photographs like those displayed on this web site!

We can pretty much guarantee the best spectator boat location for the exhilarating Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Check out last year’s video here – see just how close you can get.

As the armada of spectator craft surges forward, John maintains this exclusive position alongside the racing yachts so that all guests aboard “Sydney Sundancer” almost feel part of the action, as the crew of the racing yachts frantically tack their vessels for best position in the Southern Hemispheres most prestigious yacht race.

We follow the fleet of racing yachts to farewell them and wish them bon voyage at the Heads of Sydney Harbour.  Having farewelled the fleet, we will continue our cruise around Sydney Harbour before anchoring for a late lunch accompanied by live entertainment from our “muso” who is an expert guitarist and singer.

Two facts combine to make a Sydney Harbour Cruise on Boxing Day, the best day of the year to be on Sydney Harbour!

The first is that John’s navigational skills are exceptional (as all the accompanying photographs show – click any photograph to enlarge and sample the photographs you could capture on your camera simply by joining in the fun and excitement aboard  Sydney Sundancer ). He is able to manoeuvre Sydney Sundancer to the best position to view the action. Many guests, who own their own boats, choose to leave them on their mooring, so that they can enjoy this great day without the stress!

And the second is that all guests enjoy a shipboard feast second to none –  “Bon Appetit” , the American gourmet magazine, has written to John’s wife, Lynne, requesting one of her recipes for publication in the USA, so you can be assured that the meal will exceed expectation and surpass much of what is served in well known Sydney restaurants !

Needless to say, Boxing Day is an event, which becomes booked out very early (usually by early October), so if you would like to join us  BOOK EARLY!! Every year our waiting list grows longer, and those on it are always disappointed to have missed such a spectacular day. It is great value for money at $340 ($290 for children under 18) because it includes the sumptuous on board banquet, all beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks, as well as the live entertainment.

Departure will be at 11.15 am (SHARP) from Rose Bay Ferry Wharf returning there about 5 pm.

Parking anywhere on the waterfront on Boxing Day is always a problem  because of this spectacular event so you should make plans to be on the wharf well ahead of departure time.

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From the vantage point aboard one of our Sydney Harbour cruises, you’ll be able to experience all of the Harbour’s ‘moods’.   From sunshine bathed skylines to twinkling night lights, our luxury yacht charter around Sydney Harbour provides you with a cornucopia of panoramic delights.  The most exciting yet relaxing way to appreciate a Sydney Harbour cruise is on our luxury yacht – effortlessly and silently harnessing the wind for propulsion, just as nature intended!   For Sydney Harbour cruises, we are unmatched for elegance, style and experience.

Contact us  today to enquire about how we can custom design your most memorable Sydney yacht charter.

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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race- 26 December

Avoid the Crowds

Front Row Seats!

Bucket List Experience

On Boxing Day each year, one of the world’s premier yacht races departs from Sydney bound for Hobart. Take our private VIP charter option or join a group cruise and experience the harbour amid a sea of colour, pomp and ceremony that is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Click the Tabs to Find out More

Vip private charter - $3,375, harbour cruise - $285 per person.

Enjoy one of Sydney Harbour’s and the yachting world’s biggest days of the year in style and comfort aboard our VIP European SportsCruiser. You’ll get up close to some of the world’s most impressive maxi yachts as we line up alongside the starting grid and follow the flotilla towards the harbour entrance. Once the yachts have disappeared beyond the heads, we cruise to the picturesque and historic Quarantine Bay for lunch, a wander, and an afternoon swim. But if you have a spot in mind, your local skipper will make sure we get there during the day.

VIP Sports Cruiser – Our 11 metre, open-top cruiser brings a touch of Italian Riviera class to the stunning Sydney Harbour. This sleek powerboat comfortably seats 10 (plus a skipper) and is equipped with ample shade covering, downstairs bedroom, kitchenette and toilet facilities, generous food and drink storage and plenty of space for lounging in the sun and moving about the boat. Find out more about your boat here (opens in a new tab) .

11:30 am from Convention Wharf, Darling Harbour.

Maximum Group Size

Lunch and drinks.

Bring your own picnic and drinks (alcohol permitted) or we can stop at one of many harbourside restaurants.

Price includes

Watch the start of the world-famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and follow the flotilla of impressive maxi yachts out towards the heads. We’ll take a short tour of some of the key sights of Sydney Harbour, and head to picturesque and historic Quarantine Bay for lunch, a wander, and an afternoon swim. Your ticket includes a cafe lunch and soft drink at a waterside bar/cafe but you’re welcome to bring other snacks and drinks aboard.

Harbour Explorer – a comfortable open-top boat that seats 16 guests and can drop you right onto the beach. It’s 8.5m with an enclosed toilet and some shading. Find out more about your boat here (opens in a new tab) .

  11:30 am from Convention Wharf, Darling Harbour.

Boat capacity

  16 – single bookings welcome.

Lunch and drinks

  A simple cafe lunch and soft drink are included, but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Not Quite the Tour for You? Have a Look at Some of Our Other Options!

New years eve – 31 december, australia day – 26 january.

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Sydney to Hobart Race

...For the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day on your private luxury boat charter . Sit back, relax and enjoy the day with the family or a group of friends, watching Sydney Harbour come alive with hundreds of boats.

Get together for a beautiful lunch onboard your private cruise, and experience the great atmosphere that the harbour has to offer. We have a great selection of vessels to suit your needs and budget. Our team will take care of beverages and catering, to ensure that you and your guests have an amazing and memorable Boxing Day .

  The 628 nautical mile yacht race is one of the main annual attractions in Sydney Harbour, bringing thousands of people together to cheer on the departing yachties as they begin their journey to Hobart.

Contact Boat Hire Sydney to find out how you can get amongst all the exciting action. 

http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/about-the-race/

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/event/rolexsydneyhobartyachtrace

Confirm availability or make an enquiry

Boxing day for hire.

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SPECTATOR BOATS FOR THE SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE START BOXING DAY, 2023

Get close to the action on Boxing Day (26 December 2021) to watch the start of the 76th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.  The gun goes off at 1pm with 106 yachts racing to buoys at Sydney Heads before turning south towards Hobart.  Some boats listed here will follow them outside into the open ocean where you can get in close to the action.  If you are following a particular boat, you are able to let the skipper know who will endeavour to find it (subject to conditions).

Feel the adrenalin-filled excitement on Sydney Harbour, while you sit back in the comfort of your own luxury Cruiser. Don’t let the opportunity slip away. A must for any boating enthusiast!  This will stay inside Sydney Harbour, and follow the fleet to the Heads.

Departs: 11am to 3pm Boards :  King Street Wharf No. 3 Includes: Cruise, byo picnic, Cash bar

Cost: sold out

A larger boat that will watch the boats fly down the harbour towards them and then follow them out to sea (subject to weather)

Departs: 11.30am Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour – 2.5 hr cruise Includes: boat only – drinks & snacks available, card only

Cost: $175per person

Departs: 11.30 Manly Wharf Wharf 2 – 2.5 hour cruise Includes: boat only – drinks & snacks available, card only

Cost: $175 per person **sold out**

A larger boat that will watch the boats fly down the harbour towards them and then follow them out to sea (subject to weather), and includes lunch.

Departs:    3.5 hour cruise 11am Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour 11.30am Circular Quay 6 Includes: premium picnic box, cash bar onboard

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024 OffShore Races OffShore Races

• Event date: 25/12/2024
• Event end: 02/01/2025
• When: OCT-DEC
• Duration: 1 week

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is one of the toughest and most respected ocean races in the world. Its the only major race that starts in a harbour takes in a passage and finishes in a river.

The  Rolex Sydney Hobart Race expects a fleet of 150 yachts, ranging from 36 to 100 foot in length. The electric pre-race village atmosphere at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) followed by the excitement of the build-up to the start on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day is hard to describe.

Race Start on Boxing Day

With thousands of spectator vessels, helicopters overhead and hundreds of thousands of people lining the Sydney waterfront and cliff tops, the race start at 1 pm on Boxing Day each year is an Australian sporting tradition.

People who sail the race often say the first and last days are the most exciting. The race starts on Sydney Harbour attracts hundreds of spectator craft and hundreds of thousands of people lining the shore as helicopters buzz above the fleet, filming for TV around the world.

The final day at sea is exciting with crews fighting to beat their rivals but also looking forward to the traditional Hobart welcome, and having a drink to relax and celebrate their experience. Between the first and last days, the fleet sails past some of the most beautiful landscape and seascapes found anywhere in the world

Difficulty Level:

9750-13750 $ aud.

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Salt Lines 70ft expedition yacht

Silver Fern 72 ft expedition yacht

Te Kaihopara 72ft Luxury Cruising Yacht

8 days / cat 1 ocean race / 25 dec 2024 – 2 jan 2025 / positions available on te kaihopara.

You can fly directly into Sydney Airport on Thursday, 24th or Friday, 25th December. Our crew will officially assemble on Christmas Day evening, and you will join us for a crew dinner ashore. On Saturday, 26th December, we’ll meet for breakfast early and then run through the final checks and preparations. We’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and prepare you for departure from the dock around 11:30 am. It’s a 4-5 day sail to Hobart with arrival expected on the 30-31st December.

When we arrive in Hobart, we’ll sail past the crowd on Constitution Dock before tying up at the marina and heading to the Custom House (open 24 hours) for an arrival drink or two. You are welcome to stay onboard on arrival in Hobart but should also consider booking local accommodation ashore at an estimated cost of around $800- $1,200 per person for 3-4 nights. We’ll attend several events in Hobart, including a New Year’s Eve party, The Taste of Tasmania and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Presentation. You should plan to fly out of Hobart after midday on the 1st of January. Most of our crew will depart around the 2nd – 3rd of January, so plan to stay on and enjoy the 3-4 days in Hobart at the end of the race, as it truly is a celebration you will never forget.

8 DAYS / CAT 1 OCEAN RACE / 25 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 / Positions available on Salt Lines and Silver Fern

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SYDNEY TO HOBART RACE SPECTATOR WOODFIRED PIZZA CRUISE

Sydney, New South Wales

Join us for an epic boat cruise to witness the thrilling Sydney to Hobart Race, where you can enjoy all you can eat gourmet woodfired pizza. FREE DRINK INCLUDED

DESCRIPTION

SYDNEY TO HOBART RACE SPECTATOR BOAT CRUISE WITH ALL YOU CAN EAT WOODFIRED PIZZA

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the SYDNEY TO HOBART RACE SPECTATOR BOAT CRUISE ! Get ready to witness the thrilling start of this legendary yacht race from the best vantage point on the water. Starting at King Street Wharf Darling Harbour , our boat cruise offers an incredible opportunity to cheer on the competitors as they embark on their epic journey. With a FREE DRINK INCLUDED and ALL YOU CAN EAT WOODFIRED PIZZA at a lively atmosphere, this is the perfect way to enjoy the race in style. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

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

Highlights & inclusions, select date, september 2024, select travellers, what you can expect.

Setting off from Darling Harbour, be a part of the action of the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as you chase the front runners down the coast on a scenic spectator cruise. Whether you're a fanatic or perhaps want to cheer your loved ones on as they participate in the race, this exciting Sydney Harbour cruise is one to add to your bucket list.

After wrapping up Christmas, come along on Boxing day (December 26) to watch the epic race kick-off and the harbour come to life with colourful spinnakers and leading edge yachts battling it out on this famous race. Follow the vessels as they exit Sydney Heads into the ocean travelling as far as Maroubra. On board, you'll be treated to an Australian BBQ lunch and soft drinks as you sit back and watch all the action unfold before your eyes.

What you need to know

• Four hour cruise
• Expert crew
• Basic Australian BBQ lunch
• Soft drinks
• Available on Boxing Day (26 Dec) only
• Boarding commences at 11am for a 11:30am departure
• This experience is four hours in duration
• This experience departs from 5A Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
• Comfortable clothes suitable to the weather on the day
• Confirmation email
• 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
• 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
• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
• Email us at [email protected]
• Help code: D2B-6147
• This experience is supplied by Go Whale Watching

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024: A Legendary Challenge Awaits

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

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

The Route: A Grueling Offshore Odyssey

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

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

A Legendary Race with Global Prestige

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

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

The 2024 Fleet: A Diverse and Competitive Lineup

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

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

Key Challenges: Weather and Strategy

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

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

A Spectacle for Spectators

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

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

Looking Ahead: The 79th Edition and Beyond

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

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

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