The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race also known as The Blue Water Classic is a thrilling event hosted by the Cruising Yacht club of Australia. It starts in Sydney on Boxing Day and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania. It’s a tradition that the crew of the yachts celebrates the New Year at the Hobart Dock.

The race was first organized in1945 and gradually became more and more competitive and commercialized. It is one of the pre-eminent top three offshore yacht races in the world and attracts maxi-yachts from North America and Europe. It covers the distance of about 630 miles. The race attracts both the club sailors as well as renowned sailors who have participated in other famous races.

It was conceived by Peter Luke who formed a club for those who enjoyed cruising rather than racing; however visiting British Royal Navy Officer, Captain John Illingworth, suggested that it be turned into a race, and so this thrilling event was born.

The race is one of the most grueling and awe-inspiring event in the middle of the winter and is sponsored by Rolex. There is a spectacular start from the magnificent Sydney Harbor, and the yacht sail into the beautiful Tasman Sea, travelling through many places the yacht reach the Tasman Island where they cross Storm Bay for the beautiful Derwent River to Hobart. All over the sea front people gather to watch the race and cheer the yacht on.

All those who love the sporting event swear by the exciting beginning of the race and the finale. Half a million spectators gather on the shores to cheer the fleets and one can watch the spectator crafts along with the fleet. Helicopters hover over the blue waters filming the event for world-wide viewing.

The race covers some of the most alluring seascapes and landscapes in the world. The NSW coastline with its white and clean beaches, townships around the coast and the fishing hamlets are fall in the route of the race and one can view the yachts sailing anywhere between the coastline and 40 miles offshore.

The winning yacht is received by an escort official, spectators and the press boats as it approaches the finishing line, amidst applause even if it is at an unearthly hour like 2 am or some such time. There are thousands of people who gather around Sullivan’s Cove to applaud and welcome the yachts and the crew is met by members of Finishing Club and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, to help them dock at the Kings Pier marina. Of course the winners and their fans celebrate the race and the win at the many pubs and bars at the dock. The event holds a prime position in the Hobart’s Taste of Tasmania Festival.

People eagerly wait for the entire year, many practice the whole year through and train for the race. This magnificent and greatly anticipated event is a must to watch for all those visiting Sydney in winter. So plan your trip to Watch ‘The Blue Water Classic’.