SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE
There are 2 divisions. The International Measurement System (IMS), based on a computer assessment of speed and conditions, and the Tasman Performance Handicap System, a system devised for yachts not rated under the IMS.
A new category 'Two Handed" was introduced in 2021 for two handed crews.
Stragglers in the event can finish up to 7 days after leaving Sydney and the event has earned a reputation as one of the world's finest open sea challenges.
In 2014 the line honours win by Wild Oats X1 becamed the record of individual line honours wins.
Wild Oats X1 also set a new race record in 2012 of 1 Day. 18hours. 23mimutes.
Skipper Mark Richards vowed to go for line honours victory and new record in 2014 but achieved only the former.
Leaving The Heads in Sydney in 2014, the 100m. USA Maxi 'Comanche' took a commanding lead early but was overtaken along the east coast of Tasmania and completed the course in second place approximately 1 hour behind Wild Oats X1, although in 1917 with favourable conditions, it set a formidable time and new record of 1 day, 9 Hrs, 15 Mins and 24 Seconds, taking some 6 hours off Wild Oats X1's 2012 record.
This year (2023) sw the most dramatic finish ever with 'Andoo Comanche' being overtaken by 'LawConnect' near the finish line and winning by under a minute.
Winners from 1945 are:
Photo of Wild Oats X1 from the Cruising Yacht Club Files.
LawConnect overtakes Andoo Comanche at the finish line.
