100 starters for Sydney to Hobart

A fleet of 100 yachts has been nominated for the 67th edition of Australia’s ocean classic, the 628 nautical mile Sydney-Hobart Race, with every state represented and international applications in from the USA, UK, France, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

NSW, home to race organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, is fielding the largest state-based fleet, followed by Victoria. Tasmania is sponsoring eight entries, its largest contingent since the 50th anniversary race back in 1994.

For last year’s race, 102 yachts were nominated, with a final fleet of 87 on the start line on Boxing Day 2010 and 69 crossing the finish line in Hobart’s Derwent River in time for New Year’s Eve.

CYCA Commodore Garry Linacre says this year’s race has attracted a great group of yachts with an exciting mix of brand new, newly-acquired and well-established yachts that will provide strong competition for line honours and through the divisions.

"The race for the elusive Tattersall’s Cup for overall honours will again be absorbing," Linacre says. He also points out that unlike the multi-million dollar Melbourne Cup, there is no prize pool on offer to the competitors -- only the honour of completing the tough open-sea course and the chance to be recorded in the race annals for the outright or handicap win.

This year’s armada will bring countless stories and statistics to the Sydney Harbour start line, with yachts ranging in size from 9.01 to 30.48 metres and almost 80 years separating the oldest boat from the newest carbon fibre creation, AFR Midnight Rambler, which was only launched in September.

Competitors are equally diverse in age. Around-the-world sailor Jessica Watson is one of a number of 18-year-olds preparing for their maiden Sydney-Hobart. At the other end of the scale, 84-year-old Syd Fischer will again defy father time and contest his 43 race – again skippering his grand prix TP52 Ragamuffin.

Bob Oatley’s 100ft super maxi and race-record holder, Wild Oats XI, is being groomed for a potential sixth line honours win after undergoing radical hull modifications during the winter. A second 100 footer, Anthony Bell’s Investec Loyal, has also been under the knife and will attempt to bring an end to Wild Oats’ remarkable line honours reign.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will start at 1:00pm on Boxing Day, December 26, from just off Shark Point in Sydney Harbour.

This year’s final fleet will be officially announced by Garry Linacre at the CYCA on Tuesday, November 22.

Photo: Martin Power's venerable Petersen 44 Bacardi will be back this year after being dismasted in last year's race.