'Take your sea sick tablets': Potentially dangerous weather predicted ...

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicting that potentially dangerous weather to mar this year’s Sydney to Hobart race, which gets underway on Boxing Day.

Rain, strong winds, low visibility and even hail is expected to hit parts of the course, including the Bass Strait crossing, due to

a rain-bearing low pressure system impacting the southeast.

Competitors have been advised to prepare for changing conditions throughout the event, with plenty of upwind sailing and winds coming from different directions.

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During Sunday’s briefing, a race official warned participants that they “strongly recommended to take your sea sick tablets in your grab bag’’.

HK Scallywag skipper David Witt declared: “Pack another set of thermal gear. It’ll be cold.”

The 78th edition of the 1163km race, one of Australia’s most famous sporting events, currently features a fleet of 103, but there could be more withdrawals before the 1pm AEDT start time on Boxing Day.

The course record was set by LDV Comanche in 2017, completing the race in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. Last year’s winners Comanche, who is tipped as one of the favourite this year’s race finished in one day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds, the second-fastest time for any Sydney to Hobart victors.

Australians can watch the race on 7mate with coverage starting at 12.30pm AEDT, while ABC TV providing in-race news footage.

Previous winners

2022 Andoo Comanche (NSW)

2021 Black Jack (Monaco)

2019 Comanche (NSW)

2018 Wild Oats (NSW)

2017 LDV Comanche (NSW)

2016 Perpetual LOYAL (NSW)

2015 Comanche (NSW)

2014 Wild Oats XI (NSW)

2013 Wild Oats XI (NSW)

2012 Wild Oats XI (NSW)