The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is an annual event that takes place on Boxing Day (December 26) and covers a distance of approximately 628 nautical miles (1,163 km). 1)
The race starts from Sydney Harbour and finishes at Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania. 2)
The first Sydney to Hobart yacht race was held in 1945 and had nine entrants. 3)
The race is one of the most challenging yacht races in the world due to the strong winds and currents in the Bass Strait and the unpredictable weather conditions. 4)
The race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds was set in 2017 by the supermaxi yacht, Comanche. 5)
The overall winner of the race is awarded the Tattersall Cup, which is named after the Tattersall's Club in Sydney, the race's original sponsor. 6)
The race has been won by a range of different types of yachts, including maxi yachts, ocean racing yachts, and even a humble timber ketch. 7)
In 1998, the race was hit by a severe storm that caused the deaths of six sailors and the capsizing of several yachts. 8)
The race was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 9)
In 2021, the race celebrated its 75th anniversary. 10)
The race attracts international competitors from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Italy. 11)
The fleet size for the race varies each year, with the largest fleet being 371 yachts in 1994 and the smallest being 9 yachts in 1945. 12)
The race has had several different starting points in its history, including Pittwater, Newcastle, and Rose Bay in Sydney. 13)
The fastest-ever time for a yacht to complete the race was set by Comanche in 2017 with a time of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds. 14)
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is considered one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world and attracts some of the best sailors and yachts from around the globe. 15)