What a view!

Passengers and crew aboard Sydney Heritage Fleet’s restored 1874 barque James Craig had a stunning view of the early stage of the 2016 Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day (26 December 2016).

In just the right position, the racing fleet sailed past James Craig as the yachts set their spinnakers in the perfect northeasterly conditions, resulting in the maxi Perpetual Loyal taking out line honours in race record time.  Just “one sleep” to Hobart as an old hand remarked somewhat derisively. He was, of course, on a smaller yacht.

Each year, James Craig puts to sea with passengers on Boxing Day to watch the start of the Sydney-Hobart race. Different weather conditions mean the racing fleet sets different courses as the boats leave Sydney Harbour. Being in the right place at the right time for a close-up view needs careful planning and timing.

The picture above shows the line honours winning maxi Perpetual Loyal racing past the 1874 ‘maxi’, James Craig. 

(Visit the SHF website for news on how to be aboard James Craig for next year’s Sydney-Hobart start: http://www.shf.org.au)

Photograph by Rod Hallewell