A 103-strong fleet,including 10 international entrants and four 100-foot super maxis are preparing themselves for a calm start followed by wild weather.
Of the 103 boats in the Sydney to Hobart,only Ocean Crusaders J-Bird is electrically powered and emits zero carbon.
Three days out from the annual sailing classic,those aboard the 103-strong fleet still have more questions than answers about race conditions.
The 100-foot super maxi Andoo Comanche is the largest boat in this year’s race. Two-man boat Niksen is at the other end of the spectrum.
The usefulness or otherwise of the species is a source of heated contestation,derided as a “gigantic piece of already-chewed gum” and praised for its “amazing” features.
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From super maxis to two-man crews,each boat has its difficulties heading into this year’s race.
After 49 Sydney to Hobart yacht races,Lindsay May has seen it all. On Boxing Day,he’ll become the first person to notch the half-century of Sydney to Hobart appearances.
After winning a work lottery,Wenee Yap will set sail as part of a 21-person crew on super maxi LawConnect for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Building the high-tech yachts for the Sydney to Hobart race can cost more than $30 million - and millions more for maintenance. Race veteran Grant Wharington has spent just $1.5 million on the boat he hopes will give the billionaires a run for their money.