Sydney Hobart Race is teetering in 2021

Published on September 16th, 2021

After the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia remains hopeful the 628nm classic will return in 2021.

“We are once again working through a number of challenges as we prepare for this year’s race,” admitted Noel Cornish AM, CYCA Commodore. “We acknowledge that some decisions will be out of our control, but we remain hopeful that the race will go ahead as planned on Boxing Day.

“We are in ongoing discussions with the New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmanian State Governments to keep abreast of changes to policy.

“The CYCA is focusing on what is in our control. An extensive COVID-safe plan is already in place and is being regularly adapted to comply with the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

“We are also encouraging competitors to consider their vaccination status, in the event this is a condition required by either State Government.”

The CYCA hopes to see the return of racing in October, subject to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions by the NSW Government.

Given the Tasmanian border is currently closed to NSW residents, the Club is looking at options to modify the Rolex Sydney Hobart race course if it should become necessary.

“Contingency planning is underway and we are considering an alternative race if the border to Tasmania remains closed,” Commodore Cornish added.

“More information will be available over the coming months, but our priority will always be to preserve the route that has made the Rolex Sydney Hobart the pinnacle of offshore sailing over the last 77 years.

“I would like to thank our race sponsor, Rolex, all CYCA partners and competitors for their support and understanding as we navigate these challenges together.”

More than 70 boats have already entered the 2021 race. Entries for the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race close on October 29, 2021.

Race details – Entry list – Facebook

The 628nm Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be the 76th edition in 2021. From Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart.