Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race kicks off

by Quinag 26 Dec 2023 01:43 PST 26 December 2023
2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race start © ROLEX / Kurt Arrigo

Despite the light easterly breeze of around 5 to 10 knots for the start of the 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the experience was anything but sedate for the 103 boats lined up in Sydney Harbour.

Everyone on the water, including the traditional throng of thousands of spectators on hundreds of boats, was treated to a rotating succession of sunshine, heavy showers and rumbling thunder. An intense swell and confused sea state added further drama to the scene as competitors raced to be first out of the infamous Sydney Heads.

The four 100-foot maxi yachts tipped to be favourites for line honours chose different sides of the course as they set off on their epic 628- nautical mile journey, with Law Connect and Andoo Comanche plumping for the right while SHK Scallywag and Wild Thing 100 took to the left. The biggest decision, however, for all of the crews, professional and Corinthian alike, would be made once out on open water - whether to head south along the coast or go east to attempt to get around the worst of the trough currently sitting over the New South Wales coast. Several hours into racing, Andoo Comanche and Law Connect were battling it out at the front of the fleet.

In a legendary contest where nothing can ever be taken for granted, a particularly uncertain forecast promising storms, erratic winds and even hail, means that the ability to understand and adapt to the evolving weather systems will be crucial to lifting both Line Honours and the Tattersall Cup, awarded to the overall winner on handicap.

Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Rolex has been partnering the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race since 2002. Now in its 78th edition, the annual event is internationally renowned as one of the most arduous rites of passage in offshore sailing, and is a cornerstone of the Swiss watchmaker's elite yachting partnerships.

Related Articles

The Outer Reef 27 Crossover
The Outer Reef 27 Crossover The 27 (Meter) Crossover is the first in Outer Reef's Crossover Series and a standout member of our Adventure Sports Vessel (ASV) lineup. Posted on 14 May
New exterior views of in-build 52-meter GTT 170
A next-generation superyacht designed for shallow waters and high-speed cruising from Dynamiq Constructed entirely in aluminum and currently in-build in Antalya, Turkey, this groundbreaking superyacht is purposefully engineered for discerning owners in the United States and the Middle East. Posted on 13 May
First GX42 showcases harmonious Casali interior
The flagship of the GX Superyachts fleet exhibits faultless, sophisticated accommodation. Timeless design and relaxed family living are the guiding principles behind the eagerly awaited interior of the first GX42. Posted on 13 May
Marine Auctions: May Online Auctions
Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved. The Bidding for the May Online Auction will commence on Thursday 23rd May and will end on Thursday 29th May at 2pm AEST. Posted on 12 May
Maritimo propeller development
"High speed screw development definitely is a scientific approach to what is a black art" "High speed screw development definitely is a scientific approach to what is a black art," said Willaton in opening. "Propellers can be a tricky thing, and so we take the hull resistance figures from our in-house Naval Architect here at Maritimo." Posted on 9 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode One
Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Posted on 8 May
SAY it with intent! SAY it in carbon…
You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. Get all that, and you are certainly someone who needs to know about SAY Carbon Yachts. It's all about efficiency, acceleration, pace, and the amount of horsepower required to get there. Posted on 8 May
Learn powerboating skills in Old Saybrook
From the basics to 2 new hands-on courses added for experienced boaters Recreational boaters are beginning to return to the waters of Long Island Sound. Are they prepared? Posted on 8 May
Silent Yachts flagship SY80 nearing completion
All of the sustainable features found on the previous yachts, but on a larger scale Silent Yachts is continuing its strong start to the year with the announcement that its flagship SY80 solar electric catamaran is approaching completion. Posted on 8 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – new Vodcast Show launches
Join us as we pan for the gold dust, whilst sifting out the bulldust. Bulwarks and Bulldust looks at the serious subjects from inside the world of boating, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. The show covers off everything from Off The Beach to Superyachts, Powerboats to Ocean Racing, and the marine industry itself Posted on 6 May
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts