Outimage Publications - last yachts to finish before New Year’s Eve

The outimage dot net ocean yacht racing banner is an image of Roger Sturgeon's Transpac 65 Rosbud from the United States, working up Hobart's Derwent River into the late afternoon to take out an overall win of the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The photograph was taken by Peter Andrews.

last yachts to finish before New Year’s Eve. Celebrations are in full swing.

Rolex Sydney Hobart - News Update
09:00 AEDT December 31, 2008

Article By Julius Ross, Rolex Sydney Hobart Media Team

December 31, 2008.

The final two yachts sailing in the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart are expected to enjoy the rarity of a New Year celebration on dry land.

In previous years, many yachts were still at sea negotiating the 628 nautical mile course when the New Year rings in, but 2008 has witnessed a particularly fast race time for the majority of entrants.

Chris Dawe's Cole 43 Polaris of Belmont, outside the heads after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008.

Photo © Peter Andrews.

Chris Dawe's Cole 43 Polaris of Belmont, outside the heads after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008. Photo copyright Peter Andrews.

Chris Dawe’s Polaris of Belmont, from NSW and Murray Wilkes’ Nest Property, from Tasmania, are expected to finish before the clock ticks over into 2009 and both crews will be eager to reach Hobart to join in the festivities on the waterfront.

Polaris of Belmont is predicted to reach the finishing line by around midday today, while Nest Property is likely to receive a substantial applause from the Hobart faithful to conclude the 2009 race around 4pm this afternoon.

This will be Nest Property’s first Hobart, while veteran Polaris of Belmont will have completed 24 Hobarts.

Murray Wilkes' Cole designed Traditional 30 Nest Property, outside the heads after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008.

Photo © Peter Andrews.

Murray Wilkes' Cole designed Traditional 30 Nest Property, outside the heads after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008. Photo copyright Peter Andrews.

90 yachts have now completed the race, with six yachts finishing between the hours of 6pm yesterday and 5am this morning. This morning’s arrivals included the smallest boat in the fleet, Sean Langman’s Maluka of Kermandie and Peter Goldsworthy’s Getaway Sailing 2.

Sean Langman's classic Ranger gaff rigger Maluka of Kermandie, on Sydney Harbour ahead of the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008.

Photo © Peter Andrews.

Goldsworthy’s second entry, a Sydney 38, also had five Russian crew members from Trading Network Alye Parusa on board, after their yacht was forced to withdraw prior to the start due to keel damage.

Peter Goldsworthy's second entry a Sydney 38, Getaway Sailing 2, outside the heads after the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008.

Photo © Peter Andrews.

Today, the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will receive their battle flags at a public ceremony at 11am on Hobart’s Constitution Dock.

CYCA Commodore Matt Allen and RYCT Commodore Clive Simpson will also pay tribute to those who lost at sea in the 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and others who have been lost during the course of a Sydney Hobart. A one minute silence will be followed by casting a wreath into the water.

Official race website: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com

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