Overview

• The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is set to begin on Boxing Day, with 105 boats, including four supermaxis, competing in the 628-nautical-mile event.
• Initial conditions feature north-easterly winds and sunshine, but forecasts predict gale-force winds, thunderstorms, and a challenging southwesterly change in the Bass Strait by early Friday.
• Supermaxi yachts, including race record-holder Comanche and last year’s winner LawConnect, are preparing for a fast start but prioritizing safety due to the risk of severe weather-related damage.
• The 2017 race record of one day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds set by Comanche may be under threat if early favorable conditions hold, though skippers emphasize caution over record-breaking attempts.
• Race officials have warned participants to be 'risk aware' given the forecasted conditions, as emergency services may also be stretched by bushfires in New South Wales and Victoria.