Sydney smoke forces abadonment of Big Boat Challenge on harbour

Plummeting visibility on Sydney Harbour has forced a major yacht race to be cancelled.

A crew member climbs the mast of a yacht docked at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia as smoke covers the city and forces the cancellation of the Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour. Picture: Brett Costello

The Big Boat Challenge, the traditional clash of the supermaxis on Sydney Harbour ahead of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race, has been abandoned because of thick smoke blanketing the city.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has confirmed Tuesday’s race has been scrapped because of safety issues. Smoke from several bushfires to the north and west of Sydney have severely limited visibility on the harbour.

The CYCA the safety of competitors and spectators was its prime concern and abandoning the race was the only responsible action to take.

“We’re very disappointed to abandon the … Big Boat Challenge but for the safety of spectators, public and competitors, we made the call,” CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.

“The safety of all competitors … in addition to those working on the harbour, is extremely important to us and our number one priority.

“The best available information is that nothing about the conditions will change in the short term so delaying the start wasn’t an option.

“Our thoughts, of course, are with those worst-affected by the bushfires – and those fighting the fires across the state.”

The Big Boat Challenge was set to feature nine-time Sydney-Hobart line honours winner Wild Oats XI up against fellow supermaxis Black Jack, InfoTrack and Scallywag. A fifth 100-footer, Comanche, had opted not to contest the race.