Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo S Series

Sydney Hobart – Giddy Up and Wait!

by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 27 Dec 2022 01:06 PST
ConstitutionDock early on Dec 27, 2022, but it could have been any time of day © Clayton Reading

So you’ve done good work and blasted down the coast doing 15-25 knots depending on the size of craft you’re on. What could possibly go wrong with a plan to just arrive in Hobart Town and enjoy your libations? What indeed?

Of course, it is one of the truisms of the event that you have the first start in Sydney Harbour, another then at the Heads, followed by yet one more at Tasman Island, and then the final gun at the Iron Pot when you have deal with the River Derwent.

Thing is, it has been a tad quiet all day up in Hobart itself. Hot too. This pic of Constitution Dock shows a glass out, and even though it was taken this morning, I am reliably informed that it could have been at just about any time during the course of the hours passing by to now.

There had been 10+ knots at Hobart Airport, which lies more to the East of the finish locale, but blowing Northerly in direction. What’s with that? It is invariably an approach out of the South into the tarmac over Seven Mile Beach, not out of the prairies to North at this strip. A look at the temps from the crowd-sourced weather data also shows wind directions from nearly every point of the compass, and the higher up the River you go, the more breathless it becomes.

Comments like, ‘It would be nice for NYE, ‘Odd day’, and ‘Very rare’, from the locals mean that there were no Nor’west winds to drive up the heat, and no usual afternoon sea breeze to follow in after it. The latter is what fills the River as the hours go dark, which would be now.

Tony Lathouras is a key member of our eyes and ears in Hobart and spoke of it all, “A typical warm to hot day in Hobart and around the Derwent is made up of a few components. Firstly, it starts off with a pleasant morning that rapidly starts to increase in temperature, and by mid-morning the Nor-westerly winds are dominant, pushing the warm air down the River with ever increasing velocity. This hangs around till around mid-afternoon, and after an arm wrestle, the sea breeze starts to become the dominant force, pushing the wind back up the River from where it came.”

“Today? Well, this is an odd one. The temperature rapidly rose, but there was no breeze to speak of, and the sea breeze did not happen. As I write this at 7.45pm its still 36 degrees at my home on the Derwent. The welcome relief from the hot day in the form of this sea breeze has simply not shown up.”

The only thing that is typical for this type of weather day that will stay true to form is that by 9pm, what little breeze there is will die right off.

So sit back. Don’t get wound up. Could be some waiting involved here… Only thing that can do the job overnight now is for the inland breeze to arc up again.

Stay safe, thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com, and all the best for 2023.

Related Articles

IMTRA introduces Zipwake PRO
The ultimate upgrade to Zipwake's award-winning Dynamic Trim Control System IMTRA, the leading manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets, announced today the introduction of the newest innovation in vessel pitch and roll control, Zipwake PRO. Posted today at 3:35 pm
Silent Yachts launch solar-electric SY80 catamaran
Ready for its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 Silent Yachts has completed its most complex project to date. The Italian builder's first SY80 solar-electric catamaran has been launched and is preparing for its world debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (9-14 September). Posted on 9 Jul
New Online BoatUS Foundation Course
Taking on Biggest Cause of Accidents: Distracted Boating A quick look at the annual U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics shows “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” to be perennial placeholders in the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Posted on 8 Jul
VISIONF Yachts unveils Superfast 46
A new speedboat with 80 knots max speed VISIONF Yachts, renowned for its cutting-edge luxury power catamarans, has revealed the latest jewel in its performance portfolio — the VISIONF Superfast 46, a 14-meter, high-speed masterpiece capable of reaching a staggering 80 knots. Posted on 7 Jul
Inside Maritimo Newsletter - Take a Virtual Tour
Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo Take a moment to indulge in our immersive virtual tours, available through the form link below. Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo, all from the comfort of your own home. Posted on 4 Jul
Baglietto launch first DOM115 Superyacht
A 35-meter masterpiece by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Baglietto design team The first unit of the DOM115, the entry-level model of the line designed by Stefano Vafiadis, was officially launched in recent days. Posted on 3 Jul
Grand Trawler 63
A new benchmark in elegant voyaging With the launch of the Grand Trawler 63, BENETEAU sets a new benchmark in long-distance luxury cruising. Posted on 3 Jul
Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive
A head-turning vision that sets a new standard in customization It's a question often asked by outsiders looking at Palm Beach Motor Yacht's vibrant new product introductions and development pipeline: What was the genesis for this particular design? Posted on 2 Jul
The new Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand The eye-catching new arrival in the fleet of BENETEAU's modern passagemakers is the Swift Trawler 37. The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand replaces the Swift Trawler 35, balancing enhanced design and comfort on board. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo M50