Sydney Hobart Race - You Simply Must Attend the Annual Sydney to
Hobart Yacht Race.
Australia’s iconic summer sport, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
competes for popularity with events like the Melbourne Cup (horserace)
and the Davis Cup (tennis). The Sydney to Hobart Race has become an
incredible media event as well.
Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, this race starts at
Sydney Harbour and stretches 628 nautical miles to the east coast of
Australia, Bass Strait, on to Storm Bay on the Tasmanian east coast,
down Derwent River and finishing at Battery Point in Hobart Tasmania.
Although the fastest yacht is not always the Overall Winner, because of
the way the rules are set up with handicaps and finish time adjusted to
various factors within the rules, the one to watch for is the Line
Honours. THAT is the one that crosses the finish line first and that is
the one that the public and media pay a great deal of attention to.
For those yachters who wonder if they qualify or not, that is easy. If
you have the skill to enter an ocean long race, own a yacht and meet all
the safety requirements of a Category 1 safety race, the answer is more
than likely a resounding yes. Sailors and skippers with yachts ranging
in size from 30 footers too much larger 98 footers, weekend sailors or
professional Cup Competitors, all converge on Sydney to run this race.
There are regulars who you can pretty much guarantee you will see in the
line up every year, and there are new faces waiting to join the ranks of
those wanting to not only finish the race, but also pray for a win on
race day. Every nautical mile brings something special to ever racer who
enters.
The course itself is frequently described as one of the most grueling
long ocean races in the world and is most definitely a challenge to
everyone who participates. Some feel the first and last days are the
most exciting, but that is probably because of the hundreds of thousands
of spectators lining the shores. In addition to the massive amounts of
people that are lining the beaches, there are hundreds of watercrafts
filled with spectators on the water and helicopters flying around over
head filming every craft in the water to later be televised around the
world.
While the last day at sea brings anxiety and excitement to crews
battling their rivals for the win, the crews also admit they love the
wonderful Hobart welcome they receive at the end of the race.
With fickle winds, spectacular ocean scenery, the unpredictable
personality of the Bass Strait, the breathtaking beaches along the
route, and the fabulous small fishing villages dotting the coastline,
every day of the race is filled with fabulous sites, sounds and fun. And
when the race has reached its end, it is time to join the Hobart’s Taste
of Tasmania Festival and try some of the most amazing cuisine, swallow a
beer or two and be treated like royalty by the local people who have
waited all year to welcome you back again.
Hurry up – it is almost time for the next race. Make your reservations
now so that you have great accommodations for your visit. |
