The iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race is bracing for a characteristically challenging start this Boxing Day, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting strong southerly winds and uncomfortable conditions for the 129-strong fleet. Meanwhile, the rest of Australia contends with a starkly contrasting mix of severe weather, from a tropical cyclone in the west to bushfire threats and flooding in the north.
A Chilly and Challenging Start for the Fleet
Race organisers and competitors were briefed on a forecast that promises a classic, gruelling test for the annual bluewater classic. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicts starters will face strong southerly winds of up to 25 knots as they depart Sydney Heads on 26 December. Lee Goddard, chairman of the race committee, succinctly summarised the outlook: “It’s going to be cold, wet and bumpy, people will get seasick.’’
BoM senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury indicated that while winds would begin to slacken along the New South Wales and Tasmanian coasts over the subsequent weekend, the initial upwind slog will dictate the race. These conditions are expected to produce a tight finish but also mean the race record is highly unlikely to be threatened this year.
Tributes and Remembrance on the Water
The race briefing began with a solemn minute's silence in memory of the two sailors who lost their lives during the first night of the 2024 race, Nick Smith and Roy Quaden. Their deaths occurred in severe storms that created dangerous downwind conditions, a scenario not expected this year.
In a separate act of remembrance, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announced that a group of 15 yachts will scatter rose petals off Bondi Beach as they pass, honouring the 15 victims of the Bondi terror attack. Among those paying tribute is the line honours favourite, Master Lock Comanche, co-captained by Matt Allen, who described the crew's shock and solidarity with Sydney's Jewish community following the recent attack.
Australia's Divergent Christmas Weather Extremes
As the yachts prepare for a cold southern ocean passage, other parts of the nation are experiencing weather at the opposite end of the spectrum. In Western Australia, Tropical Cyclone Grant passed close to the Cocos Islands, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Meanwhile, Perth itself was forecast to swelter in 40C heat on Christmas Eve, prompting an extreme fire danger warning for the state's south-west.
In the north, a flood watch was in place for vast areas, with Darwin expecting up to 50mm of rain. Conversely, southern capitals are in for a cool festive period. Melbourne is predicted to have its coldest Christmas Day since 2006, with a maximum of just 17C, while Hobart may see hail with a top of 15C.
The contrasting forecasts underscore the vast and varied climate challenges facing Australia this holiday season, from the icy spray of the Tasman Sea to the scorching heat and cyclone threats in the west.
