The starting cannon will be fired again on Boxing Day for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
CYCA Commodore Noel Cornish AM was delighted to confirm that the event would be going ahead:
“We are thrilled to have so many yachts participating this year, particularly given the general uncertainty and necessary restrictions placed on many sporting events in Australia over the past six months. The size of the fleet has exceeded all our expectations and is a tremendous show of support for the Race. We are excited that we can host the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in this challenging year.”
“Whilst 2020 has been a very difficult year for all Australians due to the impact of COVID-19, we feel that it is important for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the sailing world to help support the various Governments goals to assist economic recovery and help communities return to some sense of normality within strict health and safety guidelines.”
“We would like to sincerely thank the Governments of New South Wales and Tasmania, their associated health, police and maritime departments, events and tourism authorities, local councils and all our media and corporate partners for their continued support.”
CYCA – Unfortunately, representation from many international competitors has not been possible this year due to ongoing global restrictions. The CYCA’s thoughts are with the offshore sailing community around the globe and the Club looks forward to welcoming all sailors, families and support crews back in 2021.
An array of returning yachts are amongst likely contenders for the Tattersall Cup which honours the overall winner on handicap, including previous winners Ichi Ban (2017 and 2019), Alive (2018) and Quest (2008 and also 2015 as Balance). Competition from a sizeable fleet of other yachts in the 50- to 70-foot range will be strong.
Should this year’s conditions favour smaller yachts, the likes of Solveig (overall winner in 1954), and Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race winners Chutzpah (2018) and White Bay Azzurro (2017 as Komatsu Azzurro), will give the bigger boats a strong nudge for podium placings.
Live coverage of the start of the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will once again be broadcast on Boxing Day through the Seven Network and will be available Live and On Demand via the 7plus app.
Comprehensive coverage of the Race will continue through the official Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website rolexsydneyhobart.com and its social media channels, providing access to 24-hour race updates, photos and videos, yacht profiles and real-time race tracking.
Coverage will culminate in live broadcasts of the line honours & overall contenders finishing and making their way into Constitution Dock and the Port of Hobart.
New guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19 safety, tracking and social distancing are being constantly reviewed and appropriate measures will be strictly adhered to as required.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is organised by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia with the co-operation of Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania