Police are urging skippers of both commercial and recreational vessels to check special event information ahead of the Sydney to Hobart on Boxing Day, NSW Police say.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts at 1pm tomorrow (26 December 2016), on Sydney Harbour, before travelling 628 nautical miles to Tasmania.
The Port of Sydney will be closed from 8am to 4pm, which will ensure a clear run for the yachts as they exit Sydney Heads.
An exclusion zone, which will be marked with yellow buoys and some fixed navigation markers, will be in place between midday and 2.20pm, providing a safe and secure environment as more than 100 yachts sail through the heads.
No anchoring will be permitted within 100m of the exclusion zone, or where indicated, between 11.30am and 2.20pm.
For those going out to sea, proceed through the no-anchoring zone near South Head, and observe the six-knot ‘minimum wash’ speed limit.
In addition, non-powered craft such as kayaks, canoes and surfboats are prohibited in the area within 100m of the exclusion zone.
Officers from Marine Area Command will be working closely with Maritime and Marine Rescue NSW to enforce the exclusion zone and reduce the risk of interference from spectator vessels.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Hutchings, said police will work closely with Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, and event organisers to enforce the exclusion zone and reduce the risk of interference from spectator vessels.
"This race has been a Boxing Day tradition for more than 70 years, and the Marine Area Command’s fleet will be out on the water to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone," Supt Hutchings said.
"On-water spectators can assist us by following the advice of officials on the water; they’ll be easily identifiable with a special flag in a prominent position on the vessel.
"There are designated spectator areas at either side of the start line or vessels can be positioned in the eastern or western channels – as long as they’re clear of the exclusion zone.
"Those who want to watch the start and follow the race to the Heads, it is best to position your vessel in the eastern channel at Watsons Bay, Camp Cove or around South Head.
"If you only want to see the start, the best position is on the western channel at Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay, or waters to North Head.
"We are expecting it to be crowded on the harbour, most years we see thousands of vessels in the area, so I urge skippers to be aware of their surroundings and monitor for changing conditions.
"If you don’t have access to a boat, you don’t have to miss out on the action – there are some of great spectator locations along the foreshore," Supt Hutchings said.
The best vantage points on land are at Bradleys Head, Chowder Bay, Georges Heights and Middle Head on the west; Shark Island, Steele Point, Vaucluse Point, South Head and The Gap on the east; North Head in the north.
More special event information for boaters is available at: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/about/news-events/sydneys-summer-aquatic-events/sydney-hobart.html.
For more information about the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, visit the official event website: http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/
