The start: Sunny skies and building breezes
The fleet will cross the start line in Sydney Harbour under sunny skies, with a forecast of northwesterly winds of 15 to 25 knots. Seas are expected to remain manageable, between 1 to 1.5 metres in the afternoon. This moderate start should make for a spectacular and highly competitive departure from Sydney Heads, with crews pushing for prime positions as they head into open waters.
Challenging conditions in Bass Strait
As the fleet ventures south, the infamous Bass Strait will once again test its reputation. On the 26th, northeasterly winds of up to 30 knots are forecast by evening, with seas increasing to 1.5 metres offshore. The sunny conditions belie the challenges ahead, as a cold front is predicted to sweep through on Friday, bringing northwesterly winds of 25 to 30 knots, turning west to southwesterly during the morning. Offshore seas will build to a formidable 2 to 4 metres, with swells ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Ideally crews will want to be past this point before the weather builds.
Crews will need to prepare for a wet and punishing ride through the strait, with shifting winds requiring precise navigation and tactical brilliance. These conditions are likely to separate the fleet, rewarding those with experience and resilience.
Tasmania’s coastal waters: The final push
The approach to Tasmania will bring its own set of challenges. On Thursday, the waters east of Flinders Island are expected to reach up to 30 northeasterly knots in the evening. Seas will build to 2 to 3 metres with a southeasterly swell, creating a tough environment for crews nearing the home stretch. By Friday, westerly winds of 20 to 30 knots and swells of up to 3 metres will provide a final test for the remaining competitors.
The Lower East Coast, from Wineglass Bay to Tasman Island, will see strong wind warnings on Thursday, with northerly winds of 20 to 30 knots and seas of 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Friday’s forecast includes westerly winds reaching 30 knots and swells building to 3 to 5 metres—a challenging conclusion to an already demanding race.
Notable competitors
This year’s fleet showcases incredible diversity, from cutting-edge racing yachts to seasoned classics. Among the 105 entries are six international boats, six previous winners, and five TP52s. Double-handed crews make up 23 entries, and three all-women teams bring further inspiration to the race.
Key yachts to watch include:
- LawConnect (NSW): A super maxi aiming for line honours with an experienced crew and a sleek design built for speed.
- Alive (TAS): A Reichel/Pugh 66 with an impressive track record, including multiple overall wins.
- Comanche: Known for its dominance in previous editions, this powerhouse is back to chase more accolades.
- Celestial V70 (NSW): A Volvo Open 70 ready to take on both line honours and IRC overall victory.
Inspirational campaigns:
- Saskia Groen-In’t-Woud and Maud Demazure aboard the 51-year-old Celeste combine adventure with advocacy, promoting women’s health through Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
6/12/2024 – Rolex Sydney Hobart at CYCA on Facebook
photo Andrea Francolini/CYCA
- The crew of Oroton Drumfire races in support of Ocean Crusaders, with proceeds from their Everyday Tote funding marine conservation efforts.
New Zealand’s Caro: A standout competitor
New Zealand’s sole representative, Caro (CAY52), is a Botin 52 owned and skippered by Max Klink. Launched in 2021, Caro has rapidly established itself as a dominant force in offshore racing. The yacht’s impressive track record includes a third overall finish in the 2022 RORC Transatlantic Race, overall honours in CS1 at the Les Voiles de St. Barth Regatta, and IRC 1 overall victory at Hamilton Island Race Week in 2022. In 2023, Caro continued to shine, securing overall victory in the 50th Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race and topping its division in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Caro’s experienced crew includes Scott Beavis, Justin Ferris, Ryan Godfrey, and Adrian Stead, among others, many of whom bring years of international racing expertise. Representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Caro returns to the Rolex Sydney Hobart as a strong contender, aiming to improve on its third overall finish in the 2022 edition.
Tactical Expertise
The Rolex Sydney Hobart is often described as “chess on water,” where strategy is as crucial as skill. This year, three of the top navigators on the mini maxis are women:
- Adrienne Cahalan (Alive): A 3x overall and 6x line honours winner, bringing decades of expertise.
- Alice Tarnawski Parker (URM Group): Recently awarded Ocean Navigator of the Year.
- Clare Costanzo (Whisper): An accomplished local navigator with a sharp tactical mind.
Excitement builds
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a spectacle of endurance, skill, and determination. With 954 sailors bracing for a mix of sunny skies and heavy breezes, this year’s edition promises thrills and challenges. As crews make final checks and ready their vessels, the stage is set for another unforgettable Great Race South.
Stay tuned for updates as the fleet races towards Hobart, navigating the unpredictable waters and fierce competition that define this legendary event.
