Boats head out into the ocean during the start of the annual race from Sydney to Hobart. Photo / AP
Sails will decorate the sparkling blue seas of the Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, as 103 yachts set out on the 1170-kilometre course of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
What started in 1945 has a nine-vessel affair has grown immensely and, now in its 73rd year, is one of
the highlights of the ocean racing calendar.
The vessels set out from Sydney Harbour into the Tasman Sea before heading down the south East coast of mainland Australia. The yachts then head through Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from mainland Australia, before sailing down the east coast of Tasmania, into Storm Bay and along Derwent River before reaching Hobart.
There are a number of divisions in the race which are dependent on factors such as the size of the boat and any performance modifications made to it.
There are two winners each year – the first yacht across the line take line honours, and the best team on handicap.
