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Changes to the shore-side aspects of the race

Home 2020 Changes to the shore-side aspects of the race

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After what has been a difficult year for us all, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is overjoyed to be able to conduct the 2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

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CYCA's utmost priority remains the safety of our Competitors, Members, Guests, Volunteers and People. As such, there are a number of necessary changes this year to the shore-side aspects of the race which are listed below.

These changes have been made after detailed and ongoing consultation with all stakeholders including Governments, Health departments, Councils, Competitors, agencies, industry and more.

Happily, other than Competitors applying COVIDSafe protocols, there are no changes to the water-side aspect of the race. Competitors will once again line up across four start lines in spectacular Sydney Harbour, tussle for position as they race to the Heads, then turn south and hunker down for their 628-nautical-mile adventure to Hobart. We are very pleased to report the integrity and rich history of the Great Race remains intact for this 76th edition.

 

Shore-side changes in SYDNEY

  • Access to the CYCA, before 0930hrs 26 December, is limited to holders of an Official Race Pass (Competitors, Support Crew, Officials, Volunteers, Guests, Media, and Contractors). This is to minimise mass gatherings and allow Competitors time for final preparations and access to their boats. 
  • The usual temporary car park at the north-eastern end Rushcutters Bay Park will be used as a drop-off zone for Competitors only. Rushcutters Bay Park car park will NOT be available to Members or guests.
  • At 0930hrs, the Club will be open to Members and Guests.
  • Everyone is required to register via the QR codes at entrances which will be monitored by the Security Team.
  • Although restrictions have been relaxed somewhat we still need to be observant of social distancing and as such there are still limitations to numbers we can have within the Clubhouse (400) and on the Marina (1,000).
  • Although family and friends are welcome to the Club from 0930hrs we request that consideration is given to reducing the number of people on the Marina.
  • The official Spectator Vessel will depart from Kings Street Wharf to assist with reducing numbers on the Marina.
  • Social distancing will apply

 

Shore-side changes in HOBART

  • Similarly to Sydney, there are changes to the shore side of the race in Hobart. We need to be conscious that each State Government has their own requirements and regulations and we need to ensure we meet both Governments expectations.
  • Following the finish, each boat will be escorted to Murray Street Pier where they will be met by Biosecurity and TAS Health (or a TAS Health approved & trained representative) to complete health screening before proceeding to the dock for berthing.
  • All competitors and support crew will require their Official Race Pass to access the marina, the Hobart Race Village, and media centre for the entire race period (27 December 2020 – 1 January 2021).
  • There will be no access to these areas by the general public.
  • The official prizegiving will be limited to two crew from each boat.
  • Social distancing will apply

We are so grateful we are able to have this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and remind you to please, in Sydney or Hobart, follow directives to ensure a COVIDSafe race for all.

 

HOW TO WATCH THE RACE

Seven Network broadcast - 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.

Live stream - a live stream of the event will be available from 1245hrs Saturday 26 December:

On the water - If you have a boat or other vessel, you may watch the race from the water. Note an exclusion zone is in force around the racetrack on Sydney Harbour. Please take care when manoeuvring your vessel.

From the land - CYCA kindly asks spectators to please not gather along the foreshore of Sydney Harbour to watch the race. NSW Government's COVIDSafe guidelines remain in force, including a restriction on public outdoor gatherings to 100 people. You can keep up to date with the latest information on the NSW Government's COVID-19 latest news & updates page.

We urge all spectators to please watch the race on Network Seven, online or from the water.

 

CYCA thanks you in advance for your cooperation. The Club and our Community are extremely excited for the Great Race this Boxing Day!