Overview
- The 628‑nautical‑mile race begins at 1:00pm AEDT on December 26, with live coverage on Channel 9 and 9Now.
- BoM forecasts strong southerly winds up to about 25 knots after the start that should ease over the weekend, making a repeat of last year’s extreme conditions less likely.
- Safety changes include mandatory man‑overboard detection devices in addition to personal locator beacons and a requirement that at least half of each crew complete their vessel’s qualifying race.
- A mandatory briefing opened with a minute’s silence for Nick Smith and Roy Quaden, with CYCA leaders emphasizing remembrance and safety heading into the race.
- The fleet lists 129 starters, with LawConnect chasing a third straight line‑honours win featuring debutant Ian Thorpe, Celestial V70 defending overall honours, and other major entrants including Master Lock Comanche.