It’s official – the 76th Sydney-Hobart will set sail on Boxing Day

There might be face masks, temperature checks and crowd restrictions, but not even the coronavirus will stop the Sydney-Hobart as organisers confirm its go ahead. DETAILS >>

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THERE will be no internationals, coronavirus crowds restrictions will be in place, and only two supermaxis competing for the first time since 2008, but officials have confirmed the 76th Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race will start on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Boxing Day.

It is the first time the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has said the race would definitely take place, while sailors wearing masks, detailed coronavirus safety plans for each crew, dock farewells without families and compulsory temperature checks being considered in the safety plan.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 26: InfoTrack leads the fleet out of Sydney Harbour during the 2019 Sydney to Hobart on December 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

With 100 yachts on the entry list, CYCA Commodore Noel Cornish expects an exciting race.

“We are thrilled to have so many yachts this year, particularly given the uncertainty and necessary restrictions placed on many sporting events in Australia over the past six months,” he 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 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in this challenging year.”

The opening of state borders was a green light for the Sydney-Hobart, said Cornish, who ironically had the CYCA shut down and Sydney sailing stopped when he contracted COVID-19 in July.

INFOTRACK, Bow: IT1, Sail n: SYD1000, Owner: Christian Beck, State/Nation: NSW, Design: Juan K 100 Custom Picture: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

“Whilst 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 the various Governments’ goals to assist 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 New South Wales 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.”

InfoTrack and Black Jack will be the two supermaxis chasing line honours.

Cornish said there would be “enhanced digital coverage” of the race, all team briefings would happen online, and also restricted access to the CYCA marina and Kings Pier in Hobart.