Sailing crews are bracing themselves and their boats for potentially dangerous weather during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Key points:
- BOM said there is “uncertainty” to the Sydney to Hobart forecast on Boxing Day
- Rain, wind speed and thunderstorms could create dangerous conditions to the race
- Competitor Jessica Watson said the weather could work to her advantage
The Bureau of Meteorology says thunderstorms could bring rain, strong winds, and even hail to parts of the course.
Weather forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse briefed teams at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia this morning, as they met for their final briefing before Tuesday.
She said that while the race may kick off with some sunshine in Sydney Harbour, the most dangerous stretch will be the notorious Bass Strait crossing.
“When you have sudden changes in the wind speed and direction, that can be quite dangerous, and that is what we’re looking at with these storms.
“Add into that mix of potentially some hail, it does make for some dangerous conditions,” she added.
But Ms Woodhouse said there was a particularly high degree of uncertainty around this year’s forecast.
“There is an inherent amount of uncertainty about the trough’s location and what conditions you’ll see on the water,” she said.
Some 113 teams will be competing in the 78th Sydney to Hobart race organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
The speed record for the estimated 1,170 kilometre journey was set in 2017 by LDV Comanche, which completed the race in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.
Last year’s Andoo Comanche was first across the finish line with a time of 1 day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds.
‘Wouldn’t mind a bit of breeze’
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) also warned of “widespread unsettled weather” in the state, predicted to last until Tuesday.
North Eastern Zone Commander at the SES, Gregory Swidells said there could be up to 100 to 150 millimetres of rainfall between today and Boxing Day.
Record-breaking circumnavigator Jessica Watson is competing this year in the 34-foot Azzurro, and believes the stormy weather might work to her advantage.
“We’re a boat that I think will do quite well in a bit of wind, so obviously thunder and lightning is not something that anyone wants but actually wouldn’t mind a bit of breeze,” the renowned sailor said.
But for Ms Watson, there’s more on the line this year than a race win.
She recently lost her partner to a stroke and is sailing to raise awareness and funds for preventative treatment.
“I actually met my late partner Cam competing in this race, as part of the youngest ever team to compete in it, years ago, so for me coming back this year and sailing in support of the Stroke Foundation is really important.”
Carl Crafoord is one of the sailors aboard Wild Thing 100, one of the four maxi-yachts in contention for this year’s line honours.
“I don’t know how dangerous it’s going to be but the boat’s well prepared and the people are well organised and have experience, so we’ll be able to handle the conditions,” Mr Crafoord said.
The 100-foot maxi yacht underwent a major renovation this year, with a significant extension to the hull.
“We are well prepared but there’s still a few jobs to do on the list but we’ll get through those and we’ll be ready on Boxing Day.”