Sydney to Hobart 2021: Rapid antigen testing for sailors at end of race before they land

Sailors who still haven’t received a result from a mandatory PCR test before the Sydney to Hobart will be able to go ashore in Tasmania if they comply with this new rule.

The dock where the yachts arrive in Hobart.

Sailors worried they will not be able to step foot on Tasmanian soil because they have not received results from a Covid test before the race have been given the all-clear to arrive - if they undertake another test and clear it

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Commodore Noel Cornish confirmed on Tuesday all sailors must now do and pass a rapid antigen test before they step foot on Tasmania soil.

Like any other sailor, if the crews still waiting for a pre-race result pass the RAT test, they will be free to step ashore.

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A crew celebrating their arrival in a previous race.

Scallywag skipper David Witt said from his supermaxi at sea he was worried he would not be able to go ashore when his yacht arrives in Hobart because he had not got a test result back.

It is understood he is not the only sailor affected by a late test result.

“Anyone who has not received the result of their PCR test in Sydney when they arrive here, and before the dock, must do a rapid antigen test like everyone else.

“If they are negative they can step off onto the dock.’’

Cornish said if anyone is positive they will need to abide by the rules in Tasmania and find accommodation to self isolate.

St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.

In further good news for the fleet in a race cancelled a year ago due to Covid-19, Cornish confirmed sailors who were tested at the CYCA before the race were not caught up in the St Vincent’s Hospital drama where more than 1000 people were incorrectly messaged telling them that they did not have COVID-19.

“We were advised we were not affected by it which was an enormous relief,’’ Cornish said.