Sydney to Hobart

words by o.k. glynn

The run-up to Christmas is all about preparing for that big day – the 25th of December, when the jolly fat man in the bright red suit comes charging around the world dropping off presents (or coal, depending which list you land on) and you eat so much delicious food that you have to have several power naps to make it through the day.

It’s so easy to forget that Boxing Day, the 26th of December, can be just as exciting. You can either take part in the hectic rat-race of discount shopping or you can cash in on all the left-over food, pack up the family and friends and head to the water to watch the 71st Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Hundreds of boats carting their dedicated teams will be jostling about the harbour, and you can get right in on the action by jumping aboard an iconic Sydney Ferry and cruising out onto the water to get up close and personal with the crazy sea-farers.

You can also hire private yachts and cruising charters with a full, fine food and beverage package to really send them off in style.

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Luckily for us, the race doesn’t kick off until 1pm with the firing of the starting cannon, which this year will be triggered by the historic Syd Fischer, the ex-skipper of the successful Ragamuffin.
NOTE: this will be the first time in 50 years that Syd has watched the Sydney to Hobart leave without him, so we will definitely have to make sure an extra loud cheer is being had with the champagne as he wishes them well.

If being out on the water turns your stomach, you can keep your sea-legs far from the sea by parking yourself into some of the most beautiful and scenic spots that Sydney has to offer. Make sure you plan ahead and get there early, because it’s projected that there will be crowds of over 60, 000 people flocking in to catch the drift! You can head into the picturesque Sydney Harbour National Park and make your way to Middle Head, where you’ll be rewarded with clear views right down to the water. You can also make your way to Headland Park in Mosman; this used to be used as a defence look-out, so you know for sure your views will be completely unmarred – you can keep an eye out for any enemy warships while you’re up there.

If you fancy watching the beginning AND the first leg of the race, hit up the Hornsby Lighthouse in Watson’s Bay – you’ve got the Harbour to the West and the Pacific Ocean to the East, so you can watch the flying sea-men fight it out for their favourite position.

Or, you can head to Q Station in Manly for sweeping city views and harbour delights, but do be careful; that place is riddled with ghosts!

However, I’m sure they’ll be hitting up the excitement of the race as well, and you don’t have to worry – I can’t imagine they eat or drink that much.

This historic sporting event is one of the most favoured annual event in Australia, so you need to make sure you partake in the excitement at least once in your life! It’s all about the food, the sun, the water, the drinks and the cheering on of your favourites. Sailors come from all over the world to take part in the event, spanning 628 nautical miles across some of the world’s most treacherous waters.

They obviously have some serious guts to do it, so best we cheer them on and celebrate their crazy enthusiasm because I know there’s no way I’d be game enough to do it!

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