Syd-Hob not expecting repeat of horrific conditions

The Sydney to Hobart’s race briefing began with a minute’s silence for the two sailors who died in last year’s event, and ended with strong hopes the fatal conditions will not repeat in 2025.

Wednesday’s mandatory briefing from the Bureau of Meteorology predicted the 129 starters will face strong southerly winds of up to 25 knots after leaving the Sydney Heads on Boxing Day.

Those winds are likely to slacken across the NSW and Tasmanian coasts across December 27th and 28th as a high-pressure system hovers around the Apple Isle.

The fleet has still been warned there is some chance of strong winds, as well as a slight chance of showers at the start.

But the forecast is a marked difference from last year, when boat-breaking conditions came to fruition on the first night of racing and two lives were lost in storms.

The weather briefing at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on Wednesday began with a minute’s silence in memory of Nick Smith and Roy Quaden, the two sailors who died last year.

Their deaths were the race’s first since 1998 and have triggered changes to the Hobart’s safety protocols for 2025.

CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes called the deaths “tragic” on Wednesday and said the sailors would remain front of mind from Boxing Day.

“This will be something that is very much on our minds, and the families of these two sailors,” said Haynes, who is also the skipper of reigning overall winner Celestial V70.

The race record set by LDV Comanche - one day, nine hours, 15 minutes, 24 seconds - has stood since 2017 and only appears under threat in very strong downwind conditions.

Those are unlikely this year, with the fleet to be briefed for a final time on Boxing Day.