Thinking of taking some friends out for the start of the Sydney to Hobart.
What sort of experiences have people had with this. I have spent two new years eves on the harbour so I have an idea what to expect.
Wondered whether being positioned out near "Mark Zulu" which is 1 nautical mile east of the heads would be a good spot.
Alternatively if anyone could suggest a spot inside the harbour.
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
Thinking of taking some friends out for the start of the Sydney to Hobart.
What sort of experiences have people had with this. I have spent two new years eves on the harbour so I have an idea what to expect.
Wondered whether being positioned out near "Mark Zulu" which is 1 nautical mile east of the heads would be a good spot.
Alternatively if anyone could suggest a spot inside the harbour.
I did that in the 70's in a Hunter 19 with 3 others. We were about a mile South of the heads in heavy seas and a fair bit of North Easter. One of the more scary experiences of my life with large yachts boring down of us in the poor visibility. I reckon you would see more in the harbour.
Ive done it many times. If you are the skipper don't expect a relaxing time! The spectator fleet can be really densely packed and moves in all directions, you need your wits about you. and 360 degree eyes. Similar to sailing in a washing machine. 
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
Alternatively if anyone could suggest a spot inside the harbour.
The only spot without 50,000 huge stinkboats going mad is within the racing area. 
I loved doing NYE on the harbour but after taking people out to watch the Hobart start a few times I decided it wasn't fun. Sorry to be a downer.
Totally agree with what has already been said. You need multiple people onboard being eyes out on what those are doing around you. Can be really crazy out there and you really need a few people who know what they are doing onboard. Definitely far better within the racing area...
Yeah, it's starting to sound like similar conditions just after the exclusion zone is lifted on NYE
There's three days/times you don't want to be on the harbour if inexperienced;
Boxing Day - can be absolutely chaotic especially now with the 100'ers going faster than the power boats, though most will try to keep up.
New Years - after the fireworks. We always stay at anchor when possible.
Australia Day - near the bridge and ferry race. rest of the harbour is fine.
I'll be in the exclusion zone for Boxing Day, no probs for me and those with me.
if you could get a boat in piccadilly circus, thats what its like. cliffs at vauclause is the go. great view.
Select to expand quotetwodogs1969 said..
Keen did you get the email I sent you?
yep, just replied
cheers
I am a fan of watching the race on the cliffs at Neilson Park.
You are high so have a better perspective and you are on the line.
Before that, going to the see the boats leave their berths at the CYCA is a great experience.
Then get in the car and drive to Bondi for another look and then back to the CYCA for the evening.
It is a great day!
The best part about the cliffs at Nielsen park is they are perfect for a pranking. As kids my brother and I would wait at the lookout and when people arrived we would fake an argument and then one of us would be pushed off the cliff into the distant water below. As the shocked looks grew who ever was left would laugh and wave goodbye and say no worries as we joined him in the water. Naughty boys... Tsk tsk.
