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How to Follow the Start

Home Spectators How To Follow The Start

Whatever the results of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, one thing is certain - when the race starts at 1300 AEDT on Boxing Day it will capture the imagination of sailors and spectators worldwide.

Race Start
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Witness the Start in Sydney

From the Official Spectator Vessel — The Jackson

Step aboard The Jackson, Sydney's most luxurious charter superyacht — and the only public spectator vessel positioned inside the Exclusion Zone for the start of the Hobart.

From the Main Deck, you'll get 360-degree, front-row views as the fleet jostles for position on Sydney Harbour's iconic start line. Hear the 10-minute, 5-minute, and start cannons fire. Watch the fleet surge for open water, close enough to feel it.

Tickets Include:

  • 4-hour Boxing Day cruise on the Main Deck, within Sydney Harbour
  • Canapés and substantial snacks throughout the day
  • Premium beverages — beer, wine, sparkling, soft drinks, juice, non-alcoholic options
  • Live commentary of the start
  • 5-metre LED screen streaming Channel Nine's live telecast
  • Departure and return from King Street Wharf 1
  • Optional complimentary Fast Ferry transfer to CYCA on return

Price: $419 per person (GST included) — Main Deck access only.

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From Private Vessels

Sydney Harbour is abuzz with activity on Boxing Day, hosting a spectacular display of boats. Private spectator vessels can enjoy the action from outside the exclusion zone but must remain cautious of their wake to avoid disrupting competing yachts.

If you're only watching the start and won't follow the fleet, position yourself on the western side of the harbour. Great vantage points for spectator boats include:

  • Western side: Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay, and North Head.
  • Eastern side: Rose Bay, Nielsen Park, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove, and South Head.

This structured start not only organises the fleet but also sets the stage for the thrilling journey ahead, ensuring that each yacht, from the smallest cruiser to the fastest maxi, gets a fair and exhilarating send-off as they embark on the epic 628 nautical-mile race to Hobart.

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From Land-Based Viewpoints

Sydney Harbour's headlands and bays provide excellent vantage points for the race start. Top locations include:

  • South Head
  • South Head Heritage Trail
  • North Head
  • Christison Park (Vaucluse)
  • Watsons Bay
  • Lady Bay Beach
  • Any other of the headlands in the Eastern Suburbs (e.g: North Clovelly, Maroubra, etc)

Watch from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

Watch the race start live from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Sydney Race Village on our Big Screen and absorb all the excitement from the fleet.

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