Sydney-Hobart Regatta

Regatta Sydney-Hobart is one of three classic sailing yacht competitions, in which teams of sailboats from around the world participate. It is held every year on December 26 and is timed to the Day of Gifts. Yachtsmen need to sail 628 miles between one of Australia 's largest cities, Sydney , and the capital of Tasmania, Hobart .

In this regatta, unlike many others, only the absolute time of passage of a given distance is taken into account. The main prize is the Tattersola Cup.

How is the regatta going?

The day after the traditional Catholic Christmas at 10.50, a signal of 10 minutes is given, and a gun shot is heard on the launch vessel, which also repeats 5 minutes before departure. The yachts will start at exactly 13.00, with two starting lines: one is designed for yachts up to 60 feet long, and the other - for sailboats, whose length is from 60 to 100 feet. Surprisingly, yachts-"kids" have to overcome the distance by as much as 0.2 miles more than their more majestic brethren.

Although the distance of the regatta is not the greatest, the competition is considered quite difficult even for experienced yachtsmen. The Bass Strait is known for its insidious currents and strong winds, which makes it very difficult to compete and makes competition more acute. For the whole time of the regatta's existence, only once, in 1952, the number of yachts started in Sydney was equal to the number of finished sailboats. Therefore, the safety of the participants is given special attention. On the entire distance, they are necessarily accompanied by a small radio communication vessel, and to the strength and technical "filling" of yachts are raised requirements.

The finishing line is located opposite the Castrei esplanade, 12 miles above the mouth of the Derwent River in its lower reaches. This small segment of the road often radically changes the alignment of forces among the participants of the regatta, as it is famous for its turbulent currents and calm spots.

Conditions of participation in Regatta Sydney Hobart

To try their hand at the regatta, lovers of yachts must comply with the following requirements:

  1. The length of the sailboat should be from 30 to 100 feet, and all necessary equipment must be installed on it.
  2. The owner or the lessee of the yacht is obliged to provide the current insurance for the ship in the amount of at least 5 million Australian dollars.
  3. At least 6 months before the start, the boat must participate in the qualifying race for a distance of at least 150 miles.
  4. The minimum crew of the yacht is 6 people, half of whom must have experience of participating in such competitions. It is desirable that the skipper has a yacht qualification of at least Offshore. At least two people from the team must provide medical certificates or certificates for passing the first emergency courses, as well as have radio operator certificates.