Sydney to Hobart yacht race former winner among classic boat on Sydney Harbour, best photos

Sydney Harbour played host to a special parade of sail by some of the most famous old beauties of the sea ahead of the 78th Sydney to Hobart. Check out the stunning photos here.

The classic Sydney to Hobart yacht race series. The lovely yacht Defiance. Picture: Andrea Francolini/CYCA

What a classic!

Sydney Harbour hosted parade of sail of old beauties on a picture perfect weekend ahead of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Yachts which have played a big part in the history of the race were among the classic boats competing in the two-day regatta.

Among them was the famous timber yacht Love & War and the well known campaigner Bacardi which had done more Sydney to Hobart races than any other.

Photographer Andrea Francolini was out on the harbour capturing these old ladies of the sea strutting their stuff and captured some beautiful images.

The lovely yacht defiance in the classic Sydney Hobart series. Pictures: Andrea Francolini/CYCA

The Sydney yacht Nike putting on a show for ferry passengers.

SYDNEY TO HOBART GUIDE

The event, now a fixture on the sailing calendar, was raced over two days.

The 78th edition of the Sydney to Hobart begins on Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour.

A fleet of around 100 yacht is expected to start the race south.

What a shot. Fidelis and her crew enjoying the racing - and scenery.

The famous multiple winner of the Sydney to Hobart, Love & War.

The crew on the lovely old timber yacht.

Close racing in the event.

Pretty boats on a pretty harbour.

The yacht Huon Chief.

The famous Sydney to Hobart campaigner Bacardi

Boongown and Currawong.

What a stunner. The lovely Wraith of Odin.

The crew on Love & War.

The Anitra V crew racing on Saturday.

It wasn’t all plain sailing. There was plenty of hard work involved.

Madame X had one of the most colourful crews.