Skippers of the supermaxi yachts preparing for Monday’s Sydney to Hobart bluewater classic are targeting a new record in a high-speed race they predict will go to the wire.
With northerly winds forecast for one of the world’s most challenging ocean events, Comanche’s one day, 9 hours, 15min and 24sec record for the 628-nautical-mile (1,200-km) endurance test, set in 2017, is under threat.
Decorated navigator joins Wild Oats | 02:47
“It’s a race that could definitely rack up a record, especially with Andoo Comanche (in the field),” Mark Richards, skipper of nine-time line honours-winning supermaxi Wild Oats, said on the event website.
“It all depends on the actual conditions. But if it’s dead the whole way, I’d say not, but then it only has to change a couple of degrees and all of a sudden, it’s all on.
“If there’s breeze in the Derwent (River), absolutely.”
The NSW Bureau of Meteorology has forecast north-easterly winds for Monday’s start, which augurs well for the 100-foot supermaxis — Andoo Comanche, Black Jack, Wild Oats and LawConnect – among the 109-strong fleet.
They are predicted to get off to a flying start from Sydney Harbour, with the winds propelling them down Australia’s east coast before they tackle the notorious Bass Strait towards the Tasmanian state capital Hobart.
Here are the key things you need to know ahead of the 77th running of the great race.
WHAT TIME DOES IT START?
The race will begin at 1pm AEDT Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour.
HOW MANY BOATS ARE COMPETING?
A fleet of 111 were entered into this year’s race but only 109 will set sail from the start line.
WHY ARE THERE TWO PRIZES?
Two main prizes are up for grabs in the Sydney to Hobart race. The first boat to cross the line at the Constitution Dock in Hobart takes home line honours (J.H Illingworth Trophy), typically awarded to the biggest, fastest boats in the race.
However, handicap honours, or the overall winner, is the more prestigious award (Tattersall‘s Cup), where boats are rated on their expected speed of the vessel’s size and other statistics.
There is a chance of wining both awards, although handicap honours is usually won by smaller physically slower boats to create an equaliser to the fleet.
8 International boats in Syd to Hobart | 02:08
WHO ARE THE LINE-HONOUR FAVOURITES?
The clear betting favourite is 30-metre supermaxi yacht Andoo Comanche, although LawConnect and Black Jack are also well-backed to contend.
WHO ARE THE HANDICAP FAVOURITES?
It is a much tighter field for the handicap winner, with New Zealand entry Caro currently the frontrunner while Sunrise, Alive and Andoo Comanche are also leading the way.
HOW CAN I WATCH IT?
The race, which begins at 1pm (AEDT) on Boxing Day, will be available to watch on 7mate and steam through 7plus. You can also follow all the action live on foxsports.com.au.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE BOATS ONLINE?
Race sponsor Rolex has a tracker on their website using GPS devices for each vessel activated once it begins.
WHAT IS THE FLEET, COURSE AND DISTANCE?
The fleet ranges from 100 to 30 feet and heads through Sydney Heads then moves south down the coast.
Boats race down the Bass Straight and east coast of Tasmania and through Storm Bay, then finish at Hobart’s Derwent River.
The rhumb line — the shortest distance between Sydney and Hobart is 628 nautical miles (1163 kilometres), however yachts inevitably cover more distance as they follow the fastest route available.
WHO WON LAST YEAR?
Black Jack was last year’s line honours winner, taking out the victory in two days, 12 hours, and 37 minutes while Ichi Ban has won the last two handicap trophies, although the New South Wales yacht will not be competing this year.
WHO ARE THE PREVIOUS LINE-HONOUR WINNERS?
2021 – Black Jack
2019 – Comanche
2018 – Wild Oats XI
2017 – LDV Comanche
2016 – Perpetual LOYAL
2015 – Comanche
2014 – Wild Oats XI
2013 – Wild Oats XI
2012 – Wild Oats XI
2011 – Investec Loyal
2010 – Wild Oats XI
WHO ARE THE PREVIOUS HANDICAP WINNERS?
2021 – Ichi Ban
2019 – Ichi Ban
2018 – Alive
2017 – Ichi Ban
2016 – Giacomo
2015 – Balance V
2014 – Wild Rose
2013 – Victoire
2012 – Wild oats XI
2011 – Loki
2010 – Secret Men’s Business
