The NSW Police Force is urging skippers on commercial and recreational vessels to check special event information ahead of the Sydney to Hobart tomorrow.
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts at 1pm (Wednesday 26 December 2018), on Sydney Harbour, before travelling 628 nautical miles to Tasmania.
The Port of Sydney will be closed from 9am to 4pm, which will ensure a clear run for the yachts as they exit the Harbour.
An exclusion zone will be in place between midday and 2.20pm, providing a safe and secure environment as up to 120 yachts sail through the heads. No anchoring will be permitted within 100m of the exclusion zone, or where indicated.
If going out to sea, proceed through the no-anchoring zone near South Head. Skippers are advised to observe the six-knot ‘no wash’ speed limit.
In addition, non-powered craft such as kayaks, canoes and surfboats are prohibited in the area within 100m of the exclusion zone.
Officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command will be working closely with Maritime and Marine Rescue NSW to enforce the exclusion zone and reduce the risk of interference from spectator vessels.
NSW Police Marine Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings, said police, Maritime and event control vessels will be patrolling for the safety of all vessels on the Harbour.
“This race has been a Boxing Day tradition since 1945, and we will have our fleet out on the water to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Supt Hutchings said.
“To assist us, on-water spectators should follow the advice of officials on the water; these will be easily identifiable with a special flag in a prominent position on the vessel.
“There are designated spectator areas at either side of the start line or boaters can position themselves in the eastern or western channels – just steer clear of the exclusion zone.
“For anyone who wants to watch the start and follow the race to the Heads, we recommend positioning your vessel in the eastern channel at Watsons Bay, Camp Cove or around South Head.
“If you just want to see the start, it’s best to position yourself on the western channel at Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay or waters to North Head.
“With hot weather forecast, we are expecting thousands of vessels on the Harbour, so it will be crowded, and skippers will need to be aware of their surroundings and to changing conditions.
“There are plenty of great spectator locations along the foreshore, so if you don’t have access to a boat, you don’t have to miss out,” Supt Hutchings said.
The best vantage points on land are at Bradleys Head, Chowder Bay, Georges Heights and Middle Head on the west; Shark Island, Steele Point, Vaucluse Point, South Head and The Gap on the east; North Head in the north.
More special event information for boaters is available at: https://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, visit the official event website: https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/
