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SYDNEY (Reuters) -
This year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race will proceed with
COVID-19 measures in place following Tasmania's decision to open
borders to New South Wales, the race organisers said on
Wednesday.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) confirmed the Boxing
Day start of the race with a 100-strong fleet following "a
lengthy period of consultation with state governments, health
authorities and other key stakeholders."
"We are thrilled to have so many yachts participating this year,
particularly given the general uncertainty and necessary
restrictions placed on many sporting events in Australia over
the past six months," CYCA commodore Noel Cornish said in a
statement.
"The size of the fleet has exceeded all our expectations and is
a tremendous show of support for the race. We are excited that
we can host the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in this challenging
year."
Previous winners Ichi Ban, Alive and Quest are among the
confirmed starters but several international competitors have
been forced out by the ongoing global restrictions following the
pandemic.
Teams will be briefed online, social events around the race will
not take place, and the organisers will prefer fans to watch
digital livestream than throng the marina to follow Australia's
most prestigious yacht race.
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by
Christian Radnedge)
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