AND THEY
26 December

AND THEY'RE OFF

AND THEY'RE OFF

AND THEY’RE OFF!

A 102 boat fleet sets off in the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The forecast at the start of the 73rd Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was cloudy with a chance of rain and potential to break race records. This Boxing Day tradition in Sydney drew a spectator crowd on land and lining the shore to see the 102 boat fleet off on their 628-mile slug to Hobart. While the big boats get the media coverage, the RSHYR draws a range of yachts sizes, yacht ages, and crew experience. There is something for everyone, and while the goal is to be first to finish, you first have to finish; not always easy in this famous race.

We at North Sails wish all competitors good luck a safe journey. We’ll be on race and record watch in the meantime…

Enjoy this selection of our favorite images from the start line in Sydney Harbour.

The 102 boat fleets charges up Sydney Harbour before heading offshore. Our North Sails team in Australia says every sailor should have this race on their bucket list. We say the everyday sailing fan should have spectating in Sydney on their list! ©Rolex/Studio Borlenghi
Peter Hamburg’s Black Jack and Jim Cooney’s LDV Comanche were locked together at the start. The Maxis are expected to take two-three days to finish, while the smaller boats in the fleet can take four, five, or six days. ©Rolex/Studio Borlenghi
The RSHYR has three start lines. Wind and water are quite disturbed after the Maxis and the spectators following them. It makes for choppy conditions for the rest of the fleet. Seasick remedies anyone? ©Andrea Francolini
Wild Oats XI was struck by lightning last Sunday, damaging many of her electronics. It was a full team effort to get her race ready. ©Andrea Francolini
628 miles. We hear the welcome in Hobart is unreal. ©Rolex