The finish of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is always a spectacle, with hundreds of Tasmanians taking to the water to catch the action of the first finisher. However, as the size and speed of the front runners have increased, so too has the complexity of ensuring that the public keeps a safe distance. The modern-day racing yacht is much different to what we used to see in the River Derwent 20 years ago and it can be hard to predict their route toward the finish line and their acceleration.
For this reason, boaters are reminded that they need to abide by the prohibited area that is designated each year. The prohibited area includes:
- an area for motorised vessels extending 100m on either side and astern and 200m ahead of the line-honours yacht; and
- an area for non-motorised vessels extending 200m on either side, astern and ahead of the line-honours yacht.
The prohibited area is enforced to allow the line-honours yacht sufficient room to safely navigate to the finish line without the risk of collision with spectator craft.
The spectator fleet often joins the line-honours yacht some distance from the finish. For this reason, the prohibited area will be implemented from White Rock and controlled by Tasmania Police officers. Tasmania Police will issue a securité on VHF Channel 16.
Vessels must not enter the prohibited areas forward of the mast of the line-honours yacht at any time. There will be no exceptions to this instruction. If a vessel fails to adhere to this instruction, it will be removed from the prohibited area. Only vessels flying the designated prohibited area flag will be permitted in the prohibited area. Unauthorised entry into the prohibited area may result in an infringement notice from Tasmania Police.
With a large number of spectator craft, the waters around the line-honours yacht can become extremely choppy and unpredictable. Additionally, the race finish may occur at night, resulting in darkness or low visibility.
To ensure everyone has a great time on the water, skippers of spectator craft should:
- check they have all necessary safety equipment on board;
- stay outside the prohibited area and follow all directions from Tasmania Police;
- be aware of the direction of travel of the line-honours yacht and the spectator fleet;
- brief their crew on maintaining a vigilant watch around their vessel for other spectators or other competing yachts; and
- follow all regular navigation and safety protocols.
Navigating a large yacht into the Kings Pier Marina area is difficult and for that reason, no vessels, except for media vessels, will be permitted in the area between Elizabeth Street Pier and Kings Pier Marina until the line-honours yacht is berthed at the presentation areas adjacent to the entrance to Constitution Dock. Tasmania Police will prevent vessels from entering until it is safe to do so.
Regulation 71 of the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 2017 allows for the declaration of a specified area, including one surrounding a vessel navigating, to be a prohibited area for other vessels or persons. A police officer may intercept and remove to a place of safety any vessel or person in a prohibited area.
Adhering to the prohibited area will ensure that the race finish is conducted without incident and that members of the boating public who are witnessing this spectacular event return home safely.