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Light winds to dominate fleet over next 24 hours

Home 2025 Light winds to dominate fleet over next 24 hours

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Light winds will dominate conditions around Tasmania and eastern Bass Strait over the next 24 hours, affecting the outcome of the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

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Time & Date: 28/12/2025 – 1245 hours (47.7 hours after start) 

Afternoon sea breezes are expected to create pockets of stronger airflow close to shore before a sudden evening lull. 

Senior meteorologist, Luke Johnston from the Bureau of Meteorology, said a ridge of high pressure is sitting over the region on Sunday, keeping winds generally light off Tasmania’s east coast and across eastern Bass Strait. 

“This afternoon, north-easterly winds immediately by the east coast of Tasmania will be enhanced, aided by afternoon sea breezes, with lighter winds further offshore,” Johnston said. 

He said those north-easterlies will wrap around the Tasman Peninsula, swinging south-easterly through Storm Bay before feeding into the afternoon sea breeze in the Derwent Estuary. The effect will result in an uneven wind strength, with locally stronger breezes in coastal and inshore areas while offshore waters remain comparatively calm. 

The enhanced conditions are expected to be short-lived. Johnston said the sea breeze may abate suddenly after sunset, with winds easing quickly and calmer conditions developing overnight. 

Looking ahead to Monday, Johnston said winds will freshen from the north-east, bringing more consistent conditions across the region. However, that pattern is expected to shift again as a trough and wind change move over Tasmania on Tuesday. 

“This will bring southerly winds back up the east coast on Tuesday afternoon,” he said, marking a clear transition from the lighter, variable pattern influencing conditions through Sunday and into early Monday. 

For the next 24 hours, crews can expect generally light winds overall, punctuated by locally enhanced sea breezes during the afternoon before conditions ease markedly overnight. 

Steve Dettre/RSHYR media