weather forecast for sydney to hobart yacht race

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Bureau Home > Marine & Ocean > Marine services for offshore yacht races

Marine services for offshore yacht races

Every day, the Bureau of Meteorology's routine marine and ocean service provides critical wind, wave and ocean information that will assist racing yachts plan for a safe journey.

Between Boxing Day and New Year's Day , the Sydney to Hobart yacht race is watched by many Australians and interested yachties around the globe.

Also in this period, the Melbourne-to-Hobart (east and west coast), Melbourne-to-Launceston, Pittwater-to-Coffs Harbour and Launceston-to-Hobart races are run.

The weather is a critical factor that affects every boat, every minute and thus every result.

This article is like a 'time line' of what a potential competitor (or armchair enthusiast interested in a race) may see.

Planning for race start

The long journey.

• Stay informed on Weather Warnings

Accessing weather information whilst on the water

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The Bureau of Meteorology's routine Coastal Waters Forecast provides advance notice of the conditions expected during the races. On the morning of a race, you can review the weather forecast and latest observations to refine 'your' weather strategy.

Stay informed on Wind Warnings

Weather forecasts are not 'set in stone' and do change. You will need to monitor the weather forecasts for your entire route not just the next day. Remember the Bureau of Meteorology issues wind warnings covering today and tomorrow although usually these conditions are stated on the forecast three or four days ahead of time.

Discover more information on marine wind warnings here

Many of the Bureau's marine services are available on VHF and HF radio, and via satellite communications. Forecasts and warnings are updated regularly throughout the day, ensuring mariners stay informed on the latest information.

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• The Australian Maritime Safety Authority assists in the event of a yacht breakdown or rescue situation.

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View Video - 5 Vital Checks Read 5 Vital Checks Transcript

View Video - Check the forecast Read Check the Forecast Transcript

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This page was created at 07:03 on Wednesday 1 May 2024 (UTC)

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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Ultimate Guide: Why pensioners Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham are aiming to go one better this year

In last year's Sydney to Hobart , Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham lit up Constitution Dock right on the brink of the New Year.

Onboard their Yacht 'Currawong', the two sailed over the finish line 18 minutes before the clock ticked over 2023.

While they may have finished 83rd, they were winners in the eyes of everyone watching on, having become the first-ever two-handed female crew to conquer Australia's greatest sailing event.

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Now they're back, ready to compete again on Boxing Day.

And while they're used to bunking in close quarters, 71-year-old Veel and 63-year-old Canham haven't always been overly familiar with each other.

"We are (close) now. We weren't close friends particularly when we started this but now we've spent so much time together ... we pretty much know what each other is going to say next," Veel told 9News Sydney.

For both women, while there is a definite love of sailing, another motivator for competing in the prestigious race is overcoming a stigma around their age.

"Just because you get to a certain age, it doesn't mean your future is in the bridge club or the bowls club," Veel said.

"You can inspire people to reach their own goals, they don't have to do a Sydney to Hobart, their own goal might be to own their own boat or learn how to sail," Canham added.

Last year, the satisfaction for both women came from crossing the finish line at Constitution Dock last year.

No doubt, there was pandemonium with the sound of cheers from spectators, coupled by the sight of fireworks only minutes after finishing.

But the two sailors aren't satisfied with just completing the race this year.

"I want to be there to welcome the last boat in," Veel said.

Ahead of the 2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, here is everything you need to know.

What time does the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start?

The famed bluewater yacht race kicks off on Sydney Harbour at 1pm AEDT on Tuesday, December 26.

Who has entered into the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

113 boats have entered for the 78th running of the event including four 100-foot maxis and several past winners.

There are 10 international entrants including three from New Zealand, two from Hong Kong, and competitors from New Caledonia, USA, France, Germany and Ireland.

Australia is represented across all six states with New South Wales boasting 60 entries while Queensland fields 18, Victoria 15, Tasmania seven, Western Australia two, and South Australia one.

How long is the race?

The race is 628 nautical miles long and takes an the winner around 48 hours or just under to complete.

How can you watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

You can watch the race via the 7 Network, with live coverage beginning on 7Mate from 12.30pm (AEDT) on Boxing Day.

Where is the best place to see the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

Accor Sydney recommends watching from the northern shore of Sydney, or even from around the Harbour Bridge. You'll likely be able to see the yachts pass you by at Cremorne Point, Bradley's Head and Clifton Gardens.

As for Hobart, finding a spot at Battery Point, where the races finishes, is your best bet.

Who is the favourite to win the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

There are a few favourites for the 2023 race.

TAB has Andoo Comanche at $1.50, followed by Law Connect at $3.60 and SHK Scallywag at $8.00.

What is the prize for winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

The winners will take home the Tattersall Cup. It was first presented in 1946 by the Executors of the Estate of the late George Adams, who was the founder of Tattersall Lotteries in Hobart.

Who are the previous winners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

2000: SAP Ausmaid

2001: Bumblebee 5

2002: Quest

2003: First National

2005: Wild Oats XI

2006: Love & War

2007: Rosebud

2008: Quest

2009: Two True

2010: Secret Men's Business 3.5

2012: Wild Oats XI

2013: Victoire

2014: Wild Rose

2015: Balance

2016: Giacomo

2017: Ichi Ban

2018: Alive

2019: Ichi Ban

2020: Not conducted

2021: Ichi Ban

2022: Celestial

What is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race record?

The race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds was set by LDV Comanche for Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant in 2017.

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Thunderstorms, rain and hail threaten to put a damper on Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day race

Sailing crews are bracing themselves and their boats for potentially dangerous weather during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Key points:

• BOM said there is "uncertainty" to the Sydney to Hobart forecast on Boxing Day
• Rain, wind speed and thunderstorms could create dangerous conditions to the race
• Competitor Jessica Watson said the weather could work to her advantage

The Bureau of Meteorology says thunderstorms could bring rain, strong winds, and even hail to parts of the course.

Weather forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse briefed teams at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Sunday morning, as they met for their final briefing before Tuesday.

She said that while the race may kick off with some sunshine in Sydney Harbour, the most dangerous stretch will be the notorious Bass Strait crossing.

"When you have sudden changes in the wind speed and direction, that can be quite dangerous, and that is what we're looking at with these storms.

"Add into that mix of potentially some hail, it does make for some dangerous conditions," she added.

But Ms Woodhouse said there was a particularly high degree of uncertainty around this year's forecast.

"There is an inherent amount of uncertainty about the trough's location and what conditions you'll see on the water," she said.

Some 113 teams will be competing in the 78th Sydney to Hobart race organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

The speed record for the estimated 1,170 kilometre journey was set in 2017 by LDV Comanche, which completed the race in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

Last year's Andoo Comanche was first across the finish line with a time of 1 day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds.

'Wouldn't mind a bit of breeze'

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) also warned of "widespread unsettled weather" in the state, predicted to last until Tuesday.

North Eastern Zone Commander at the SES, Gregory Swidells said there could be up to 100 to 150 millimetres of rainfall between Sunday and Boxing Day.

Record-breaking circumnavigator Jessica Watson is competing this year in the 34-foot Azzurro, and believes the stormy weather might work to her advantage.

"We're a boat that I think will do quite well in a bit of wind, so obviously thunder and lightning is not something that anyone wants but actually wouldn't mind a bit of breeze," the renowned sailor said.

But for Ms Watson, there's more on the line this year than a race win.

She recently lost her partner to a stroke and is sailing to raise awareness and funds for preventative treatment.

"I actually met my late partner Cam competing in this race, as part of the youngest ever team to compete in it, years ago, so for me coming back this year and sailing in support of the Stroke Foundation is really important."

Carl Crafoord is one of the sailors aboard Wild Thing 100, one of the four maxi-yachts in contention for this year's line honours.

"I don't know how dangerous it's going to be but the boat's well prepared and the people are well organised and have experience, so we'll be able to handle the conditions," Mr Crafoord said.

The 100-foot maxi yacht underwent a major renovation this year, with a significant extension to the hull.

"We are well prepared but there's still a few jobs to do on the list but we'll get through those and we'll be ready on Boxing Day."

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BOM Senior Forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse addresses the fleet | © ROLEX Andrea Francolini

David Witt speaks at the Line Honour Contenders Conference | © ROLEX Andrea Francolini

Tony Mutter of LawConnect and John Winning Jr of Andoo Comanche at the Line Honour Contenders Conference | © ROLEX Andrea Francolini

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Final Weather Briefing and Line Honour Contenders

David Witt warns crews to brace for a wet and cold ride in Rolex Sydney Hobart

With the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race start tomorrow, uncertainty remains for crews over the expected conditions – except that a long, wet and cold journey is in store. The NSW Bureau of Meteorology [BOM] updated forecast on Sunday predicted variable winds, waves and weather conditions, with rain, thunderstorms and low visibility likely. The BOM update was presented at a compulsory race briefing for all crews at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, organisers of the 628 nautical mile event. As David Witt, skipper of the Hong Kong maxi,  SHK Scallywag  said of the forecast, especially after passing Eden: “Take another set of thermals. It will be cold.” Gabrielle Woodhouse, the BOM’s senior meteorologist, said conditions for the 1pm race start on Tuesday should be sunny with winds likely to be east to south-easterly at a light 5 knots. Later in the afternoon, the wind could turn to the north-east, increasing to 15 knots, with the featured sunshine of race start in Sydney Harbour possibly giving way to thunderstorms. However, as the race heads south to and beyond Eden, winds could be east to south-east at 15-25 knots with waves increasing from 1.5 metres to 2 to 3 metres. From there the fleet can expect to hit a trough and low pressure system. This will make for a tactically challenging race as boats follow either the current, or head out east for the wind.

So believes Witt, whose  SHK Scallywag  is one of four maxis in the 628 nautical mile race and a favourite for Line Honours with  Andoo Comanche ,  LawConnect  and  Wild Thing 100 . “I think it’ll probably be decided when someone might fall off the perch in the first three or four hours. That could be a big decision early,” said Witt. “We’re just pretty happy that we got one Juan Vila with us [one of the navigators]. The best in the world doesn’t come cheap, but we’ve invested in the right areas with this forecast.” John Winning Jr, skipper of the defending Line Honours champion,  Andoo Comanche , agreed the race is poised to become a battle of the brains trusts. Winning has nothing but praise for his navigator, Justin Shaffer’s ability. “I’ve said in previous years that I think Justin is the most underrated navigator on the planet,” he said. “For us, it’s around trusting each person’s role on the boat, and we back our boat in any conditions to win the race. “Obviously we’d like the conditions to get us get there as fast as possible, because as a skiff sailor, I don’t want to spend too much time at sea. “Even if we’re out there for 48-plus hours, we think our boat is fast in all conditions.”

Tony Mutter, Sailing Master on Christian Beck’s  LawConnect  was reticent to come to any conclusion about the forecast.   “It’s way too early because the biggest problem I have with the low is that it still hasn’t really formed properly,” he said.   Mutter said he was presently looking at two options. Either to go “down the current or whether we go east to try and sail around the outside and into the pressure.”   Asked his opinion, Carl Crafoord, from Grant Wharington’s new  Wild Thing 100,  is leaning towards the option of heading offshore.   “Getting offshore away from the coast, and when possible thunderstorms, will be the answer,” he said.

Written by Rupert Guinness | RSHYR Media

Internationally, the race will be available through YouTube on  CYCATV  or on Facebook  Rolex Sydney Hobart page .  For the full list of entries and more information about the race, visit  rolexsydneyhobart.com .

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Sydney-Hobart yacht race kicks off despite weather forecast of thunderstorm, heavy rain, and strong winds in New South Wales

The highly anticipated Sydney-Hobart yacht race has officially commenced on Tuesday afternoon despite grim weather forecasts predicting severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and damaging winds.

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is officially underway despite weather forecasts showing dangerous thunderstorms and damaging winds across parts of New South Wales.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart 2023 race kicked off from the Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Boxing Day amidst a bout of stormy conditions. 

Andoo Comanche, LawConnect, Wild Thing 100 and SHK Scallywag were just some of the key players readying their sails as they prepared to set off towards Hobart.

SHK Scallywag initially took the lead after the ceremonial cannon was fired, marking the start of the highly anticipated yacht race.

The race begins as forecasts say weather conditions could make the journey difficult for the boats as they sail for Tasmania.

Ahead of the iconic Sydney-Hobart race, the Bureau of Meteorology warned a low pressure system in the area could result in "hazardous" weather, wind and wave conditions.

"We're currently expecting light east to southeast winds, partly cloudy skies and the chance of a shower or thunderstorm developing over Sydney and along the New South Wales coast for the start of the race," BOM senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said in a statement on Saturday.

"This year’s race conditions will be dependent on the position and strength of a trough and low-pressure system, which is forecast to deepen and then move to the south-east over coming days."

"Weather, wind and wave forecasts will depend on the location of this system."

Ms Woodhouse added winds are expected to be strong over the Bass Strait on Tuesday and Wednesday, with wind warnings being issued for the race.

"On Tuesday and Wednesday, winds are expected to tend east-southeasterly and become fresh to strong over the Bass Strait. Strong wind warnings are possible during the race," she said.

"Rain and thunderstorms are forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday, mainly south of Eden. These can reduce visibility, produce lightning, erratic winds and possibly some hail."

"Southwesterly winds are forecast to develop from later Wednesday or Thursday and will persist across Tasmania and Bass Strait until the weekend, when a ridge of high pressure develops."

"Larger southwest swell and strong winds may affect parts of the Tasmanian coast at the end of the week."

On Tuesday afternoon, BOM said storm warnings remained current in Sydney, the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast.

Storm warnings still current in #Sydney #CentralCoast #Hunter and #MidNorthCoast . A large and dangerous cell is heading towards the #NorthernBeaches and #CentralCoast . GIANT HAIL (>5cm) possible. Latest warning https://t.co/YirEXV8NvB and https://t.co/tYiUXby2yr pic.twitter.com/Y819Ta68Ne — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 26, 2023

"A large and dangerous cell is heading towards the #NorthernBeaches and #CentralCoast," BOM said on X. 

"GIANT HAIL (>5cm) possible."

Thunderstorm warnings were also forecast for Gosford/Wyong and Hawkesbury areas, with BOM predicting "very dangerous" thunderstorms would likely produce large hailstones, destructive winds and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding. 

Parts of the Sunshine State, New South Wales and Victoria are expected to experience storms and strong winds on Tuesday as a low pressure system heads toward the east coast.

"Heavy rainfall, more intense with thunderstorms, is forecast with a low pressure system expected to move through southern NSW from Monday afternoon," BOM said.

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2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Long Range Weather Forecast Conference

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2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Long Range Weather Forecast Revealed by Senior Meteorologist

Long range weather forecast for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remains uncertain due to high temperatures and humidity, with potential for a light south-westerly wind at the start and rain/thunderstorms during the race. Organizers express significant uncertainty, requiring navigators to prepare for multiple scenarios.

The uncertain weather forecast poses a significant challenge for the 107-strong fleet, requiring meticulous preparation and adaptability to navigate the potential race scenarios.

• 628 nautical miles: Length of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
• 107-strong fleet: Expected participants in the race
• Navigators are preparing for various scenarios due to the significant uncertainty in the long range weather forecast.
• The race is set to begin with a light south-westerly wind and potential rain/thunderstorms during the event.

Navigators and crews will continue to monitor the evolving weather forecast, preparing for potential race scenarios based on the latest updates.

The uncertainty in the long range weather forecast necessitates meticulous preparation and adaptability from navigators and crews to navigate potential race scenarios, adding significant complexity to the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Read more at www.sail-world.com

The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

www.sail-world.com • Rupert Guinness | RSHYR Media

2023 RSHYR: Long Range Weather Forecast Conference

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet set for downwind start

• 20 Dec, 2022 01:51:00 PM

The maxi yachts should get off to a flying start in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, based on the NSW Bureau of Meteorology [BOM]’s long range weather forecast.

Northerly winds are expected for Monday's start, according to the forecast presented today at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, organisers of the 628 nautical mile race. Gabrielle Woodhouse, forecaster at the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, said the light east-to-north-easterly winds forecast for Monday’s 1pm start should freshen later that afternoon.   Those winds are expected to continue into Tuesday, with a trough forecast on Wednesday and winds shifting to south-south easterly and light rain showers developing.   "For those boats that will take a little bit longer, it's still unclear as to the timing of another trough that could come through during the second half of next week," Woodhouse said.   "But for the most part, we are looking at northerly winds and having those northerly winds increase through the first half of the race with the trough coming through on Wednesday."   The forecast augurs well for the big boats in the 111-strong fleet, especially the four maxi yachts – Andoo Comanche , Black Jack,   Hamilton Island Wild Oats  and LawConnect.   It could see the maxis sail to Hobart in one assisting weather pattern, while the rest of the fleet, from the mid-to-small sized boats, will have to battle through two or more patterns.   "The forecast is generally good for us as we like going downwind," said Andoo Comanche navigator, Justin Shaffer, who is sailing in his second Rolex Sydney Hobart.   "We'll be a good chance of being ahead [after the start]… by how much we'll see," Shaffer said.   Stan Honey has navigated on all four maxis and this year, his eighth, will be on Hamilton Island Wild Oats.   He agrees the long-range forecast is made for a big boat start. "At this point it looks like it could be a big boat race," Honey said.   “It looks like the big boats will get through most of the race in the north-easterly.”   For the mid-sized boats, like the TP52 Patrice, the forecast indicates they will have to sail through at least two weather patterns before reaching the finish in Hobart.   Patrice navigator, Michael Bellingham, who has sailed in 29 Sydney Hobarts, concurred with Honey, saying: "The big boats will probably do this in one weather pattern.   "How this changes and pans out on Wednesday will affect how the fleet do in this race.   "It will be interesting to see what sort of wind strengths and sea conditions we get across Bass Strait."   Bryan Northcote, navigator on the XP44  ToyBox 2 and with 17 Sydney Hobarts to his name, is open-minded about which boats will eventually be favoured by the forecast.   "I think it's too early to call at this stage," he said.   "The weather's changing daily, as it always does, moving into Hobart. This far out... Sure, the big boats look favoured. But I think the race conditions are going to change.   "As always, if you read every newspaper from Hobart, they're going to break the race record. When it comes to Boxing Day, I think that might change ."   Duncan McCrae, navigator on the S&S 34  White Bay 6 Azzurro and a veteran of 18 Sydney Hobarts , says the crew members are once again bracing themselves for myriad conditions.   "We're probably going through three weather patterns," he said. "It will depend how that trough [on Wednesday] pans out on the second day. We'll still be in Bass Strait at that point."

The start of the race will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live-and-on-demand on the 7Plus app, as well as on the official race website -   rolexsydneyhobart.com   - for viewers around the world.  For the full list of entries and more information about the race, visit   rolexsydneyhobart.com .

By Rupert Guinness/RSHYR Media

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Local yachts under pressure as overseas boats vie for Sydney to Hobart honours

With three-time winner Ichi Ban not competing and a favourable weather forecast, a crowd of challengers is likely for what is shaping up to be a fast race

Australia’s recent domination of Sydney to Hobart overall honours is under threat from a high-quality contingent of overseas boats in this year’s race.

With handicap colossus Ichi Ban not racing this year, Australia’s recent ironclad grip on overall Sydney to Hobart honours could be loosened, with a number of high-quality overseas boats competing.

Local yachts have taken out overall honours in each of the last four races, and 12 of the last 13.

With owner Matt Allen choosing not to race Ichi Ban after its record-equalling third win last year, there will be plenty of capable hopefuls challenging for the Tattersall Cup, the trophy awarded to the overall winner.

Pre-race weather forecasts suggest it is unlikely to be a small-boat race, with yachts in the 60-to-70-foot range and the always competitive TP52 contingent most likely to feature.

“These conditions look like it’s going be a pretty fast race,” Matt Donald, co-owner of TP52 Gweilo, which finished second overall in 2019, said.

“If we can get down [to Hobart] early on the 28th then we’ve got some chance of maybe winning on handicap.”

One of the most-fancied local boats is Tasmanian 66-footer Alive, which took overall honours in 2018.

“I’m confident we’ll have a good race but I’m not confident we’d win,” Alive skipper Duncan Hine told AAP.

Donald and Hine are both wary of the eight overseas entrants.

“We have [New Zealand’s] Caro, which is probably one of the best boats out there at the moment in the 52 world. You’ve got Warrior Won [from America],” Donald said.

“[From Australia] Quest, that does very well every year, Celestial, Zen, so the fleet is deep around that [mid-sized] theme.

“Then you’ve got ones that are slightly bigger, like Whisper and Alive. And URM, Moneypenny, they are racing really well this year, so it’s going to be competitive.”

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Botin 52-footer Caro, which was launched last year, underlined her credentials by winning Division 1 of the 2022 Australian Yachting championship in Hamilton Island, beating several local TP52s, including Ichi Ban.

British 38-footer Sunrise, which will have Australian navigator Adrienne Cahalan on board, was the overall winner of the 2021 Fastnet and second in the Middle Sea race. Earlier this year she won her division of the RORC Caribbean 600.

TP52 Warrior Won took overall honours at this year’s RORC Caribbean 600 and won her division of the Newport Bermuda race.

“If we can hang in the wake of the big boats we will do really well, assuming we sail the boat well. It’s sailors who win races, not boats,” Warrior Won’s skipper and owner Chris Sheehan told AAP.

There are potentially even more contenders this year, with the two-handed division eligible to win the Tattersall Cup for the first time after making their race debut in 2021.

Rupert Henry’s and Greg O’Shea’s 34-footer Mistral was the overall winner in this month’s Cabbage Tree Island race, in which all three placegetters were two-handed boats.

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