Boxing Day every year sees one of the biggest yacht racing events on the calendar, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Over the past 65 years this famous race has become an icon for Australia with internationally acclaimed racers coming from all corners of the world to grab the winning title of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Ranked up there with the Melbourne Cup, international tennis and cricket matches, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an event that not to many people like to miss out on. Before 1945 when the first race began, the concept of a cruise from Sydney to Hobart was thought up by Peter Luke who just wanted to enjoy cruising with his friends but when Royal Navy Officer Captain John Illingwood from Britain suggested to make it a race, the event was born.
Beginning within the shores of the Sydney Harbour on the morning hours of Boxing Day yacht racers make their way over the Tasman Sea, through Storm Bay and up the Derwent River to the port of Hobart where thousands flock to see the mighty sailing vessels come over the finish line. For the past six years the winning title has been held by the record breaking yacht of Wild Oats which is owned by Hamilton Island owner and wine maker, Bob Oatley, and this year he wants his dream to come true of gaining seven consecutive winning titles. His current record for the fastest time still stands at 1 day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds which was set back in 2005.
This ‘Bluewater Classic’ is said to be one of the hardest courses in the world and can often be a tortuous race that spans over 630 nautical miles. Run jointly with the Cruising Yacht Club Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, it has set the bench mark for safety and race communications with only the best and highest standards in practice for the big event. And with this, club members of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have also seen great titles that were attained in many other overseas yacht racing events which include the Kenwood Cup, the One Ton Cup, the Admiral’s Cup as well as the internationally acclaimed America’s Cup.
Many yachts that begin the journey don’t get to make it home, with the strong winds and rough seas claiming many boats. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is not only seen as a dangerous one but one that excites, gets the adrenalin pumping and has you sitting on the edge of your seat, and that is just for people viewing the famous race.
The fan fair and processions that are held to the lead up of the race as well as the huge festivals and events one the race is over, is what so many people from all around come to enjoy. With massive entertainment, nightlife and so much more, visiting Hobart around this time would certainly make for a memorable trip as you enjoy the many parades, festivals and live entertainment. All visitors making their way to Hobart during this period must always make sure that their travel arrangements and Hobart accommodation is all booked well in advance, so that you don’t miss out.
Accommodation properties go quickly, caravan parks are booked a year in advance and the city comes alive with so many wonderful things to see and do. Hobart is an exciting destination and the ideal ending for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.