When the racers get here.

Once the canons at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announce the start of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, coordination of the event is passed to the team at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and the CYCA event controllers fly to Hobart as quickly as possible.

There was an assembly of sailing enthusiasts (and tragics) assembled at the RYCT club house today to watch the start of the bluewater classic. There were plenty of experienced hands in the room. The chap next to us had notched 14 crossings! R E S P E C T!!

 We were joined by Pete off Beachcomber, who we had last seen in Port Lincoln.

We were lucky enough to be shown through the radio room by Alistair (R) and Pete volunteered for a midnight to 6am radio shift on 30th.

View across the club marina from the 'nerve centre'.

Individual participation trophies in readiness.

 117 yachts started this 70th edition of the bluewater classic.

Within 9 hours there have already been 2 retirements.

The winner's reward, but just getting to complete the race in Hobart is a trophy in itself.