Sydney to Hobart crews have been treated to blue skies over Sydney Harbour for the start of the race but will likely meet smoke haze later
Sydney to Hobart entrants have been treated to blue skies over Sydney Harbour for the start of the race but will likely hit smoke haze later.over a potential delayFour starting lines were required to accommodate the huge number of entrants for the race's 75th year. It is the largest fleet since the 50th anniversary total of 371.
Before the cannon fired to start the blue-water classic, entrants were given a final briefing from the Bureau of Meteorology, with forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse warning crews of potential smoke haze as they left Sydney. Comanche will face more favourable conditions than first thought, with wind speeds of up to 30 knots predicted through the Bass Strait.As predicted, the race started in north-easterly winds of 10-15 knots. A high-pressure system across the Tasman will bring northerly winds and calm conditions as boats make their way down the coast, with gusts of up to 20 knots.
With the wind forecasts better than initially thought for the wider boats, InfoTrack owner Christian Beck was hoping for a "Steven Bradbury moment".
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Skipper threatens to never return to Sydney to Hobart over bushfire smoke rulingSkipper threatens to never return to Sydney to Hobart over bushfire smoke ruling sarah_keoghan
Read more »
The 115-year-old boat on Gumtree trying to win the Sydney to HobartIf only Sydney to Hobart hopeful Katwinchar could talk. At 115 years old, she’s the oldest yacht to ever compete in the race.
Read more »
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race won’t be affected by bushfire smokeThe Sydney to Hobart race fleet is not expected to encounter very strong winds until Monday or Tuesday when most of the 157 yachts should have finished.
Read more »
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is set for a bushfire haze free startThe 75th Sydney to Hobart race fleet is expected to be spared from smoky haze at the start and most are unlikely to encounter very strong winds on their passage south
Read more »
'Safety reasons': Sydney to Hobart organisers reaffirm smoke haze rulingSydney to Hobart organisers have reaffirmed a controversial call to prohibit the use of satellite phones for race checkpoints, amid concerns that smoke haze will affect marine radio signals
Read more »
Live: Wild Oats XI faces stiff battle to retain Sydney to HobartNine-time line honours winners Wild Oats XI faces stiff competition to claim the 75th Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Follow our live blog.
Read more »