Now in its 78th year, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race sees sailboats take off from Sydney on December 26 with a destination of Hobart, Tasmania. Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, with co-operation from the Royal Yacht Club of Australia, racers start in Sydney, New South Wales, sailors depart on Boxing Day at 1:00pm with a destination of Hobart, Tasmania. The race distance is approximately 630 nautical miles (1,170 km) with the fastest racers usually finishing in under 48 hours, and the rest finishing within three to four days.
Upon arrival in Tasmania, there is a lively social calendar with many sticking around for a few days to enjoy all that Tasmania harbor has to offer and enjoy some cocktails during the trophy ceremony.
According to race organizers, “People who sail the race often say the first and last days are the most exciting. The race start in 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.”
Undoubtedly one of the most popular races on the calendar, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race has become an icon for sailors the world over.
Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Information
- Tuesday, December 26 – starting in Sydney, Australia at 1:00pm and ending in Hobart, Tasmania roughly four days later for most.
Hosted by the Cruising Club of Australia with the co-operation of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
