sydney to hobart yacht race how to watch

Best Places to Watch the Sydney to Hobart Race

Are you looking for the best place to watch the Sydney to Hobart race? I have three favourite ways to see all the action unfold that I would like to share with you, so let’s go… 

Over the years, watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart has become a Sydney holiday tradition. Thankfully, the race has a lunchtime start, so there is no need to crawl out of bed at dawn to be part of the action.

Updated: 14 December 2023

What is the Sydney to Hobart?

What time does the sydney to hobart race start, where does the race actually start, up close in the middle of the action on a harbour cruise, boxing day lunch cruise, boxing day byo picnic cruise, boxing day race to bondi cruise, from the north – mosman and middle head, from the south – the gap and south head.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here .

Every Boxing day since 1945, (other than 2020 because of Covid) Sydney Harbour has hosted the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. An arduous journey of 628 nautical miles south to Constitution Dock in Hobart. These yachts, from small vessels to super maxis, make an impressive sight as they leave the harbour and add the spectator craft, and it feels like a party out there.

The race attracts sailors with a variety of experience from weekend warriors to professionals. This year sees 120 boats registered , including 9 international boats.

Not being much of a sailor I had been content to watch it on TV for years however about 5 years ago I had a cousin visiting from Canada, and she was keen to see the race up close, so I was finally convinced to leave the comfort of the sofa and check it out. Even for a non-sailing enthusiast, it was damn impressive. I can see why it’s a favourite way to spend Boxing Day.

Some race basics

The starter’s gun will sound at 1 pm with a warning shot ten minutes earlier. However, boats will start getting into a position from much earlier, and the harbour is a pretty incredible site with all the competitors and spectator vessels filling this usually spacious waterway.

The official starting line is just off Nielsen Park, making this one of the most popular spots on the eastern shore to watch the action. Read more about how they manage the start of the race on the official Sydney to Hobart website.

Where are the best places to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart race 

That’s a good question and one with more than one correct answer, here are my three favourites.

I don’t think you can go past watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart from the water. Being out amongst the action as the boats head down the harbour and out of the heads is fantastic. You can see the sailors working furiously to get into position for the start and see all the little boats jostle for the best spots.

Tip : It can feel a bit more choppy with all the boats moving about, so if you are partial to seasickness, it might be an idea to grab some tablets.

Lots of boats on offer with a variety of price points and luxury. Some of my favourites are:

Captain Cook Cruises

One of the premium operators on the harbour Captain Cook will have three vessels out to get amount the Boxing Day action this year.

You can choose from the 3 hour BYO picnic cruise (on board bar), the popular lunch cruise and a special cruise that will travel outside the heads to Bondi!

The MV Sydney 2000 is a great ship with a full roof deck for the best views and commentary and TV coverage inside the boat to keep up to date with all the action.

One of the main reasons I like this cruise is the amount of space on the outdoor decks and the huge picture windows that are a feature of the boat.

They also have a fantastic spot to anchor at Parsley Bay between Watsons Bay and Nielson Park, which sees them perfectly positioned to watch the vessels race to the Heads.

Seating is at individual tables, and the huge windows mean everyone can see. Window seating is available too. This year they are offering two dining options across the ship’s three decks.

• Sky Deck – which is a 5-course premium menu with a beverage package that includes house spirits, superior wines, beers & soft drinks.
• Club Deck – a 3 course menu with a beverage package of superior house wines, beers & soft drinks.
• Ocean Deck – Shared platters, reserved seating and a welcome drink included – Sold out!

All levels have access to the outdoor open star deck

The Cruise departs 10.30am Darling Harbour, King St Wharf and returns at approx 3pm.

Board the John Cadman and make your way to the eastern corner of the harbour, dropping anchor at noon near Parsley Bay to watch the fleet make their way out of the heads.

The race begins at 1pm and the ship will stay put until 2pm when it will spend the next hour on a relaxed cruise returning to the wharf at 3pm.

Got the stomach for the open seas? Follow the action and the fleet out of the heads and down to Bondi on one of the Red Rocket Catamarans.

This 2.5-hour cruise is BYO everything , including drinks. There is indoor and outdoor seating and free wifi on board.

Vagabond’s MV Spirit

3 hour Boxing Day sail will be out on the water near the starting line for the big race. Along with great views of the Sydney to Hobart race, the captain will provide live race commentary. The price includes a 3-course seafood and carvery set menu. Beverages may be purchased on board. The cruise departs from Circular Quay at 11:30am and return approx 2:30pm.

The 2021 race celebrated 75 years of women in the race with excellent representation across the fleet

A harbourside picnic is a great way to use up some of the Christmas day leftovers and relax at the same time. Depending on how energetic you feel, you could combine a bit of a bushwalk to reach your chosen picnic spot.

One of my favourites is Georges Heights Lookout at Mosman. If Christmas festivities have you worn out, you might want to make the trip by bus otherwise you can easily walk from Taronga Wharf. Parking is at a premium so leave the car behind if you can.

Where: Georges Heights lookout along the Taronga to Balmoral Beach walk When: Front row positions fill quickly I suggest being in your spot by noon. How:  M30 or 178 buses from Wynyard Wheel-friendly: not really, prams with plenty of lifting may be possible Dog-friendly : No

Related: Check out more great picnic spots here

Many suggest that the trek up to the lighthouse is THE best Sydney to Hobart view. You can watch the yachts race up the harbour and view them as they move out of the heads and along the coast.

It certainly is popular here, so pack your picnic basket and nab your position early. I would say by 10 am to be safe. If you are coming from Circular Quay ferries will stop running at about 11.40am and start again at about 1.45pm. Do not attempt to drive here. There is no parking by just after sunrise!

With three great dining options, Watson’s bay is also my favourite choice if you prefer not to pack a picnic. Choose from a fish and chip take away from the wharf, a pub lunch from the Watson’s Bay hotel or fine dining at Doyle’s on the beachfront. All will be busy and require patience 🙂

Where:   Hornby Lighthouse  When:  Early – say 10 am to allow time to grab something to eat and walk up to the lighthouse  How: Early ferry from Circular Quay (they have stopped by 11 am in previous years) or bus 324, 325 or 380  from either Circular Quay or Edgecliff stations. Parking here is terrible on a good day, so try to avoid bringing your car if you can.  Cost: Meals from $10 takeaway to $$$ at Doyles

Looking for somewhere to stay near all the action? Check out the Watson’s Bay Hotel or Hotel Bondi

Where do you think is the best place to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race? Do you have any insider tips to share?

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help .

Paula Morgan

5 thoughts on “best places to watch the sydney to hobart race”.

Living near San Diego harbor I know how thrilling a big race can be. Love the different choices you’ve outlined and wish I were going to be there to cheer the race on.

Wow, it must be some sight to see all the yachts making their way from the start. I’d love to take part, but I know that conditions can be really hairy on the Sydney-Hobart, so watching from the clifftops might be the best place to be.

Looks like a really fun event! Have never been to Sydney but we will be there in 2016 for a few months. Will try to catch this if possible, thanks for the tips on best places to watch it from!

The Sydney to Hobart race seems amazing. When I visited Sydney earlier this year, I remember seeing all of the stunning boats. I can barely imagine how exciting this will be.

Best place I watched it from was Sydney Tower. I became the unofficial commentator to all those around me and much cheaper than going by boat

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Local news:

Manhunt after bus driver stabbed at Queensland shopping centre

Rolex sydney to hobart yacht race preview: the two big dogs vying for glory.

Sydney to Hobart contender reveals secret weapon to take on skinny boats

The Seven Network’s summer sport offering is getting hotter with the 77th running of the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.

Complete with 120 boats, including four 100-foot Maxis, the race will host an international fleet as they sail from Sydney to Hobart for the first time since 2019.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Rolex Sydney Hobart contender reveals secret weapon to take on skinny boats .

How to watch

The Rolex Sydney Hobart will be live and free from 12:30pm AEDT on Boxing Day on 7mate and 7plus .

Sydney 12.30pm on 7mate and 7plus

Melbourne 12.30pm on 7mate and 7plus

Brisbane 11.30am on 7mate and 7plus

Adelaide 12.00pm on 7mate and 7plus

Perth 9.30am on 7mate and 7plus

Commentary team

Hosted by acclaimed sports broadcaster Mark Beretta, Seven’s commentary team will be bolstered by Peter Shipway, a veteran who boasts more than 30 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races; Jimmy Spithill, an America’s Cup and Sydney Hobart Line Honours winning skipper; and Seven’s own Emma Freedman, who will broadcast live from Super Maxi, Andoo Comanche.

The top contenders

Australian sailing great Iain Murray has predicted a classic Sydney to Hobart tussle between the two big dogs of the sailing kennel: comparing one to a great dane, the other a greyhound.

A former regatta director of the America’s Cup, Murray is preparing for his maiden voyage aboard Andoo Comanche, one of four 30-metre supermaxi yachts charting a course to Hobart from Sydney Harbour from Boxing Day.

Comanche has blitzed the pre-Hobart events - most recently taking line honours at December’s Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour - and Tuesday’s long-range weather forecast only underlines her chances.

The other boat best suited to the predicted northerly and northeasterly winds is nine-time line honours champion Hamilton Island Wild Oats - formerly Wild Oats XI - upon which Murray has sailed in 15 previous editions of the race.

“They’re completely different boats,” Murray, who is Comanche’s sailing master for the 2022 race, told AAP.

“We’ve sort of got a greyhound and a great dane.

“One of them (Comanche) is an immensely powerful, big, wide boat and the other (Wild Oats) is a sleek, skinny little sprinter that just doesn’t have the same power.

“But it doesn’t have the drag, either.

“(Comanche) is probably a harder boat to sail. It’s got to be respected because the loads are just enormous.

“The potential to damage equipment, damage people - you’ve got to be very careful and tempered.”

Wild Oats navigator Stan Honey, who sailed with Comanche on her maiden Sydney to Hobart in 2014, agreed the predicted conditions would favour the supermaxis.

By the time the wind is predicted to shift on December 28, Wild Oats, Comanche, LawConnect and Black Jack are likely to have already made their way up the Derwent River to dock at Kings Pier.

“At this point, it does look like it could be a big boat race. It looks like the big boats will be able to do most of the race in that northeasterly,” Honey said.

But despite the favourable conditions, Murray is not expecting any records to tumble this time around.

Andoo Comanche’s latest estimates have her on track to complete the race in roughly 36 hours - shy of the line honours record of 33 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds she set in 2017.

“We did some routing runs this morning and they had us finishing at two o’clock in the morning. I know Black Jack’s was similar,” Murray said.

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race competition grows.

Stream free on

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 100 DayS to Race Day

• 17 Sep, 2024 11:11:00 AM

The countdown is officially on! In just 100 days, the starting cannon will signal the beginning of the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. On December 26th, the world’s top sailors will once again converge in Sydney Harbour, ready to embark on one of the most iconic and challenging ocean races.

With a reputation for challenging weather and the notorious conditions of the Bass Strait, the race is a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. Yachts of all sizes and crews from around the globe will push their limits over the 628-nautical-mile course, heading south to Tasmania’s historic capital.

This year’s race is expected to draw fierce competition, with some of the world’s fastest and most advanced yachts entering the lineup. Whether racing for Line Honours or the prestigious Tattersall Cup, crews will have to be prepared for anything as they navigate the elements in the “Great Race South.”

As we hit the 100-day mark, excitement is building, and the anticipation for this legendary event is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

How to follow the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

• Toby Heppell
• December 19, 2022

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is due to set off on boxing day once again in 2022, with an impressive 111 boats due to take to the startline

Sydney sailors are counting down the days – not until December 25, but the 26, for the much-anticipated Rolex Sydney Hobart Race .

The blue riband offshore classic was cancelled for the first time in its 76 years in 2020, but bounced back in 2021 and will go ahead one more this year with an impressive fleet of 111 boats entered for the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which begins on Sydney Harbour at 1pm Monday 26 December.

As is often the case in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, the bulk of the fleet is made up of Australian boats and teams, but there are 8 international boats participating this year, including entrants from Germany ( Orione ), Hong Kong ( Antipodes ), Hungary ( Cassiopeia 68 ), New Caledonia ( Eye Candy and Poulpito ), New Zealand ( Caro ), the United Kingdom ( Sunrise ) and the United States of America ( Warrior Won ).

At the sharp end of the fleet, four 100-foot maxis will lead the charge for Line Honours – Andoo Comanche , Black Jack , Hamilton Island Wild Oats and LawConnect . On current form, Andoo Comanche is likely to be favourite to cross the finish line first.

The start of the Sydney Hobart Race means a congested Sydney Harbour. Photo: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Black Jack won Line Honours in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart, while Andoo Comanche holds the race record (1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds) and Hamilton Island Wild Oats (formerly Wild Oats XI ) has the most Line Honours wins in race history, with nine.

Two-handed entrants will for the first time be eligible to win the Tattersall Cup (the prize given to the winner of the race on handicap). A total of 21 two-handed boats are preparing to race, including those that finished second and third respectively in the race’s inaugural Two-Handed Division last year – Crux (Carlos Aydos/Peter Grayson) and Speedwell (Campbell Geeves/Wendy Tuck).

How to follow the 2022 Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race

• In Australia Sydney is expected to send off the fleet in style when the race starts at 1300hrs (local time) on Saturday, 26 December.

Spectator boats can watch the start from the eastern channel and follow the fleet down the Harbour to the Heads. Spectator boats wanting to remain in the Harbour may remain in the western side. Exclusion zones will be in place from 1200-1400.

• On television The race start will be broadcast live via the Seven Network, through 7Mate around Australia.

Live coverage will also be webcast on the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website, with replays available shortly after. See  https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/

• On social Follow the event on twitter for race updates and via  Facebook

• On race tracker The live race tracker will be viewable at  https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/tracker

• Play along on Virtual Regatta

There is also a Virtual Regatta edition for the race, allowing you to virtually pit yourself against thousands over the same course, see  https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/offshore-game/

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

How to Watch the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Posted by Tom Fleming 17/12/2021

It’s time to take to the high seas, as the passage from Sydney to Hobart once again becomes a place of competition for the annual yacht race. With its previous years’ instalment cancelled due to COVID, 2021 will be the bounce-back year for Australia’s most decorated race on water, but how can you watch the action unfold? Read on with Canstar Blue to find out how you can watch the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

How to watch the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Australia

Fans of the open water can catch the 2021 Sydney to Hobart race through 7Mate, with coverage live on the free-to-air channel.

Watch the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on 7Mate

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is available to watch live on 7Mate, with the free-to-air channel the sole live broadcaster of the event.

When is the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

The 2021 Sydney to Hobart race begins on December 26, 2021, and will finish on January 1, 2022. The race will begin at 12pm (AEST) on December 26.

How long is the Sydney to Hobart course?

The Sydney to Hobart stretch is 630 nautical miles, which equates to just under 1,200 kilometres. As the title of the race suggests, the course starts at Sydney, and ends with a circumnavigation of the coast of Tasmania. The fastest completion of the course was undertaken in 2017, when LDV Comanche crossed the line in just one day and nine hours.

Stream Sports with Kayo

Love streaming? Love sports? Kayo is a streaming platform that provides access to a wealth of sports, from basketball to cricket, motorsports and soccer. Click ‘go to site’ for more details.

Photo Credits: PomInOz/shutterstock.com

Share this article

What is the average video streaming cost, vodafone’s $0 iphone 16 hack: can you really get a ‘free’ iphone, how to save 10c a litre on fuel with ampol energy.

^^Advertised Cost/Billing Period

The advertised cost the provider has advertised for the billing period of the plan.

Billing periods usually range from 28 to 31 days, but can vary - contact the provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Actual product inclusions can be found on the provider’s website.

By clicking on a brand, 'go to site', 'get offer' or ‘details’ button, you will leave Canstar Blue and be taken to our referral partner to compare. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. You agree that Canstar Blue’s  terms and conditions  apply to this referral.

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Christian Beck after winning Line Honours in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: CYCA | Salty Dingo

Caro powering through the waves 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Sydney Hobart – Under 100 Days to Race Day

With now only 99 days remaining until the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, this year’s field of competitors is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. A total of 75 yachts have already registered, ranging from seasoned campaigners to first-time entrants – all gearing up for the 628 nautical-mile challenge. 

Yachts will descend on Sydney Harbour from all states. At this stage:

• 40 are from New South Wales
• 11 from Victoria
• 8 from Tasmania
• 7 from Queensland
• 3 from South Australia, and
• 2 from Western Australia

As the countdown continues and entries remain open until Friday 25 October, more competitors are expected to join, eager to test themselves against the elements in one of the world’s most prestigious ocean races.

Maxis and Mini-Maxis

The race will once again see the fierce rivalry between some of the largest and fastest yachts in the world, with a strong fleet of Maxis and Mini-Maxis already confirmed. Among the headline entries are several 100-foot giants, each with their sights set on the coveted Line Honours title. These ocean racing powerhouses will be racing not just against the weather, but also against each other, as they push their boats to the limit in pursuit of the fastest time to Hobart.

Last year’s Line Honours winner,  LawConnect , is once again firmly focused on defending its title, while  Comanche  aims to reaffirm its dominance in the offshore fleet. Joining the biggest of the fleet is the luxury cruiser  Maritimo 100 , the recently-arrived Oyster 100 owned by Billy Barry-Cotter, which will be making its debut in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Alongside these giants are  URM Group ,  Moneypenny ,  No Limit ,  Whisper , and  Willow , forming a highly competitive lineup among the largest boats in this year’s race. With such a formidable field, the stage is set for an intense battle as each team vies for victory. Last year’s overall winner,  Alive , is yet to officially enter but is eagerly anticipating defending its Overall title.

International Entrants

The global appeal of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remains strong, with many international entrants finding their way to Sydney ahead of Boxing Day. Yachts from countries including the USA, New Zealand, France and Hong Kong have already registered, adding to the event’s reputation as one of the premier ocean races on the international calendar. These crews, many of whom have extensive offshore racing experience, are preparing to take on the unique challenges of Australia’s east coast and the treacherous conditions of the Bass Strait. Among the five international entrants is  Caro , returning for its third journey south. A new contender on the scene is  Bacchanal , a new, locally-built JPK 11.80 to be based in the United States, making its Rolex Sydney Hobart debut. Another JPK 11.80,  Cocody  from France, is currently sailing towards Sydney in preparation for the race. Owner Richard Fromentin, buoyed by  Cocody ’s success in the RORC Transatlantic Race—where it finished first in IRC One and second under IRC Overall—has decided it’s time to take on the challenge of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Double Handed Entrants

The growing popularity of Double Handed sailing is again reflected in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet, with a strong contingent taking on the race with only two crew members. Double Handed entrants are set to compete not only for the Overall race prize but also to demonstrate their endurance and sailing skills in this increasingly competitive and exciting division. Currently, there are 16 Double Handed entrants, just two fewer than in the 2023 race. Among this year’s entrants is  Fika , co-skippered by the mother-daughter team, Sophie and Annette Hesselmans. For this duo, their offshore journey does not stop in Hobart as this race doubles as a qualifier for the upcoming Melbourne Osaka Cup.

The Oldest of the Fleet

The oldest competing yacht of the fleet is  Katwinchar , the Double Handed entrant Skippered by Michael Spies. Built in 1904 by the Watney Brewery in England,  Katwinchar  was designed for the now-defunct Rater Rule and enjoyed considerable success sailing around England. 

The restored  Katwinchar  made a notable appearance in the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart race in 2019, where it won its division and led the race overall for a time. With its recent transition to Double Handed racing, the boat has been adapted to a more streamlined setup, including the removal of the mizzenmast and a switch to tiller steering. While the expectations are set high, they are focused on maximizing the boat’s performance and enjoying the challenge ahead. With 99 days to go, anticipation is steadily building for the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. From the powerful maxis to the intrepid double-handed entrants, and with strong inter-state and international representation, this year’s fleet is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. 

THE ENTRANTS

Facebook: @RolexSydneyHobart Instagram: @officialrolexsydneyhobart

• The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart starts in Sydney Harbour at 1300 hours AEDT on Thursday 26 December
• This is the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. The inaugural race was conducted in 1945 and has run every year since, apart from 2020, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• The race is 628 nautical miles
• Entries close Friday 25 October 2024

ALSO ON MYSAILING

Lagoon EIGHTY 2: Your Oasis on the Water

New Tesoro T50 Speciale Stuns with Armani/Casa Collaboration

Andoo Team Australia Update

Teams are ready at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for the 69F Cup GP4 and for the 69F Eurosaf Euros

Sprinting across the Celtic Sea

NSW Cherub State Champs – Change of Schedule

Race Report Manly16s 1st Season Pointscore

The United States strikes first in the J/70 Worlds

Racing at the limit on day one of the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup

CIC Normandy Channel Race

Gustavo Doreste Blanco and Jakub Surowiec are the new A-Class World Champions 2024

Andoo Team Australia on form going into America’s Cup UniCredit Youth regatta

Join Our Newsletter

• Name First Last
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Read all of the latest sailing news

Dinghy and Yacht Racing News

News from the offshore world

Cruising Stories from around the world

Boats & Gear

The latest boats and yachting gear

Watch everything sailing and boating

Latest Sailing News, Racing, Cruising, Boats, Gear and more

• Birthday Boat Hire
• NYE Boat Hire
• Party Boat Hire
• Corporate Boat Hire
• Christmas Boat Hire
• Hens Boat Hire
• Bucks Boat Hire
• Wedding Cruises
• Engagement Party Cruise
• School Social/Formal
• Uni Party Cruises
• Vivid Boat Hire
• See All Boats
• Catamaran Hire
• Luxury Yacht Hire
• Event Boat Hire
• NYE Ticketed Cruises
• Whale Watching
• Dinner Cruises
• Lunch Cruise Sydney
• Boxing Day Cruise Sydney
• Sightseeing Tours
• Sydney Boat Party
• Vivid Cruises
• Sydney Wharfs
• Book Your Boat

Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day Cruise – MV Pearl

Join the MV Pearl for an exhilarating Boxing Day cruise, featuring an up-close experience of the Sydney to Hobart race start! Watch this legendary sailing race with a front-row seat as you chase the sleek sailing yachts on their journey to Hobart from Sydney Harbour.

Your Boxing Day boat cruise on the Pearl will cruise past Sydney’s iconic landmarks, with the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as your picturesque backdrop. You’ll enjoy refreshing beverages, indulge in a 3-course buffet, and revel in the excitement of the race unfolding right before your eyes.

MV Pearl is your ticket to one of Australia’s most celebrated sailing events. Whether you’re a sailing aficionado or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable way to spend Boxing Day, this boat cruise guarantees a day filled with excitement, scenic beauty, and the unmissable spectacle of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Join MV Pearl for a Boxing Day adventure.

Adult tickets $120

Child tickets (4-14) $65

You might also like…

Sydney to Hobart yacht race: How two days of sailing came down to just 51 seconds

Topic: Sailing

LawConnect crossed the finish line first, followed seconds later by Andoo Comanche. ( Supplied: CYCA )

The skipper of the line honours-winning yacht in this year's Sydney to Hobart race says the victory is all the more remarkable because his boat, LawConnect, is a "shitbox" compared to second-place getter and race favourite Andoo Comanche.

"I know it looks good on TV but if you go up close to that boat, it's rough as anything and Comanche is a beautiful boat, it's better in every way, four tonnes lighter etc.," Christian Beck said.

"Shitbox" or not, LawConnect overtook Andoo Comanche in the River Derwent in the final moments of the 2023 race to take out its first line honours in a sensational daylight finish, just 51 seconds ahead of its rival.

There were happy faces all around as the LawConnect crew celebrated with their trophy. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

"The lead changed several times, they took the lead pretty close to the line, we thought there's no way we can get it back," Beck said.

"There were guys [on board] that couldn't watch, it was very nerve-racking."

In a race that took the two leaders almost two days to finish, the turning point began just a couple of nautical miles from the finish line.

As Andoo Comanche tried to build speed off the Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay and seemed to stall in very little wind, Law Connect made its move.

This was the moment LawConnect first overtook Andoo Comanche on the River Derwent. ( Supplied: CYCA )

'"They seem to be accelerating out of the jibes a lot quicker than Andoo Comanche, so I don't think Andoo have a lot of options here, I think they're going to get rolled … really aggressive moves by LawConnect," said Lisa Darmanin, a commentator for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. 

But, not long after Andoo Comanche snatched it back again.

Then, in the second-closest finish in race history, LawConnect came back about 100 metres from the finish line. 

After being runner-up three times in a row, the sweetest moment arrived for Christian Beck as LawConnect crossed the finish line in a time of 1 day, 19 hours, 3 minutes and 58 seconds.

"I can't believe that result. Honestly it's a dream come true," he said.

How did they pull it off?

LawConnect manouvering its way to the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

So just how did the "underdog" manage to snatch the win away from Andoo Comanche after it held the lead comfortably while rounding the Tasman Peninsula and entering the River Derwent?

As we've heard, a lack of wind was a big factor.

"Our boat is big and wide and heavy and it's fast offshore but it is terribly slow when it is bumpy and no wind," the disappointed skipper of Andoo Comanche, John Winning said. 

"[As the finish line neared] we sent a guy up the rig and he said 'There's no wind at the finish, zero wind at the finish.'" 

But sailors are used to dealing with changes in wind so strategy was obviously a major factor at play too.

As well as the "aggressive jibing" from LawConnect, the winners were focused on learning from Andoo's "mistakes".

"Broadly, the strategy is to watch them and if they get into a bad spot, we avoid that bad spot," Beck said.

Spectator craft another factor

Then there were all the spectator boats to contend with.

In the final moments, a catamaran passed closely to Andoo Comanche and the crew was seen yelling and gesturing.

"We had all the spectator boats and we're trying to clear them out and they were like 'You've won', and we were like 'No! We have not won yet. Stop making waves everything is going to make a difference,'" Winning said.

Tasmania Police said action would be taken against a 57-year-old man for "allegedly breaching" marine and safety regulations.

"The man was skippering a private vessel when it reportedly encroached into the exclusion zone set by Marine and Safety Tasmania," it said in a statement.

The offence carries a fine of up to $3,900.

LawConnect and Andoo Comanche nearing the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

Winning said he didn't blame spectators for the result.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, I wish there were 500 of them," he said.

"It's even, everyone gets the same thing if they were ahead of us they would have had the wash but unfortunately we got the wash.

"Makes a little difference but that didn't cost us the race, we cost us the race."

The LawConnect crew celebrate their victory at Constitution Dock. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

And as the bubbly flows for the LawConnect crew, Beck is joking about now being able to offload the "shitbox".

"It's probably a good afternoon to sell it, the afternoon it beats Comanche, probably its highlight of its career, I'm sure."

Crowds lined Constitution Dock to welcome LawConnect and Andoo Comanche after an epic but slow final  battle to the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

LawConnect approaches the finish line to snatch victory from Andoo Comanche, which led most of the race. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )