Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race to sail, yachties ‘delighted’

The iconic event will have its traditional Boxing Day start after a decision to reopen the NSW-Tasmania border.

Yachts leave Sydney Harbour during the start of the 2019 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Picture: Brett Costello

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race will go ahead, following a decision to reopen the NSW-Tasmania border, and a fleet of 100 is set to take part in the blue water classic.

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Noel Cornish said on Wednesday he was “delighted” to confirm the fixture of Australia’s sporting summer would proceed after protracted uncertainty.

“We are thrilled to have so many yachts participating this year, particularly given the general uncertainty and necessary restrictions placed on many sporting events in Australia over the past six months,” Mr Cornish said.

“The size of the fleet has exceeded all our expectations and is a tremendous show of support for the race. We are excited that we can host the … race in this challenging year.”

The Tasmanian government’s decision to open its border to quarantine-free entry of people from NSW from this Friday was the clincher.

“While 2020 has been a very difficult year for all Australians due to the impact of COVID-19, we feel that it is important for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the sailing world to help support … economic recovery and help communities return to some sense of normality within strict health and safety guidelines,” he said.

“We would like to sincerely thank the governments of NSW and Tasmania, their associated health, police and maritime departments, events and tourism authorities, local councils and all our media and corporate partners for their continued support.”

While the starting cannon will fire as per usual on Boxing Day for the start of the race in Sydney Harbour, the landmark event will look different, to comply with COVID-19 restrictions on both sides of Bass Strait.

There were be a focus on digital coverage of the race, with all team briefings to be held online, while social events usually held in the lead up to the race have been cancelled.

CYCA said restrictions would apply at its clubhouse and marina and to spectator fleets and gatherings in Sydney Harbour on December 26.

As well, Hobart’s race headquarters and festivities would be “restructured in line with the best practice recommendations from authorities”.

Past line honour’s winners will take part, with the fleet including just two supermaxis - InfoTrack and Black Jack. The race will mark the 75th anniversary of participation by female sailors.

COVID-19 has prevented many international competitors from taking part this year, and several familiar yachts will be absent.

These include last year‘s line honour’s winner, Comanche, which was sold to an international buyer earlier this year and will not take part, as well as Wild Oats XI, which has not entered.