The start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The traditional Boxing Day start in the harbour to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race went well, according to NSW Maritime.

NSW Maritime General Manager Recreational Boating Brett Moore said the spectator fleet was around 1000 boats and below expectations.

“The wet weather and grey skies look to have kept the spectator fleet down in size this year,” Mr Moore said.

“NSW Maritime has a responsibility for water traffic control on the day and smaller spectator fleet made the job a little easier this year.

“Even so, the cooperation and general good behaviour of the spectator fleet was appreciated and helped in getting the race boats away after the 1pm start.”

Spectator fleets for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start can reach up to 3000 boats.

Special event navigations restrictions such as the speed and wash restrictions are now lifted and the harbour is being returned to normal until the next major aquatic event which will be New Year’s Eve.

The final navigation restriction to be removed today will be the port closure which is set for lifting at 4pm, meanwhile NSW Maritime crews are retrieving the hundreds of special-event navigation markers which delineated the temporary exclusion zone between Point Piper and the Heads.

For details on navigation controls and harbour exclusions zones for NYE, go to www.maritime.nsw.gov.au