Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruises: See the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Start in Style

Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruises: See the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Start in Style

Boxing Day in Sydney is unlike anywhere else in the world. While some Australians spend the day at the shops or watching the cricket, the real highlight is out on the water - the start of the legendary Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. And the best way to see it? A Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises.

Forget the crowds on the foreshore. From the deck of a cruise, you’ll enjoy front-row seats to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start, along with world-class views of Sydney Harbour.

What is Boxing Day in Australia?

Boxing Day, held on December 26, is a public holiday across Australia. Originally a British tradition of giving to the less fortunate, in modern Australia it’s a day for family celebrations, the Boxing Day Test cricket, shopping sales, and sailing on Sydney Harbour.

Why does the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start on Boxing Day?

Since 1945, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has set sail on Boxing Day. The timing brings together sailors from around the world, locals on holiday, and thousands of spectators who flock to the harbour to watch the spectacle. The race covers 628 nautical miles from Sydney to Hobart and is regarded as one of the most prestigious ocean races in the world.

Gather your crew and enjoy the action

Coordinate with family or friends and make a day of it. What could be better than sharing the thrill of one of the world's most gruelling and iconic ocean races with your crew?

It may be in your loungeroom, a friend's place, at the Yacht Club, local pub (beware - you may be competing for screen time with the cricket), with excited crowds of spectators along the Harbour foreshore, or if you're lucky enough, from the water - right in the thick of all the action.

Wherever you enjoy the race from, you're sure to be one of millions from around the globe taking in all its glory!

Where is the best place to see the Sydney to Hobart start?

The foreshore fills quickly, but the best views of the Sydney to Hobart start are from the water. On a Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises, you’ll:

• Experience fantastic views of the yachts as they power towards the Heads
• Capture incredible photos of the sails against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic skyline
• Soak up the buzzing atmosphere with a drink in hand, away from the crowds

What to expect on a Captain Cook Boxing Day Cruise

Your Boxing Day becomes unforgettable with Captain Cook Cruises Sydney. There is a cruise to suit everyone from a thrilling adventure cruise following the bix maxi’s out the Heads towards Bondi, to a BYO Picnic cruise ideal for all those Christmas leftovers; to a gourmet lunch cruise aboard the flagship.

It's important to note that non-race vessels are not permitted within the Sydney Harbour exclusion zone. If you want that privilege, you'll need to be onboard Captain Cook Cruises' superyacht The Jackson, the official Cruising Yacht Club of Australia spectator vessel.

For front-row seats from the side lines, Captain Cook Cruises caters to every race enthusiast, from thrilling adventure catamarans following the big maxi’s out the Heads of Sydney, south towards Bondi; to a family friendly BYO Picnic cruise, ideal for all those Christmas leftovers; to a gourmet lunch cruise where all the action comes to you!

• Boxing Day Lunch Cruise - Cruise onboard flagship of the fleet, Sydney 2000 with your choice of three decks, menus and bar packages
• Boxing Day Race Cruise - 3-hour cruise onboard premium vessels with spectacular indoor and outdoor viewing, BYO snacks
• Sydney to Hobart Race towards Bondi - See the start of the race and follow the fleet to towards Bondi, BYO snacks

Onboard, you can expect:

• Expert commentary to help you follow the race start like a pro
• Spacious indoor and outdoor decks for the perfect vantage point
• A festive Sydney Harbour experience surrounded by fellow race fans
• Gourmet food and premium drinks served as the action unfolds on the Lunch Cruise

What else can you do on Boxing Day in Sydney?

Many people spend Boxing Day hitting the sales or heading to the beach. But for those lucky enough to be on a Sydney Harbour Boxing Day Cruise, the day is already perfect - the thrill of the race, luxury on the harbour, and an unbeatable view.

Why choose Captain Cook Cruises?

With over 55 years of experience, Captain Cook Cruises Sydney is the trusted name for Sydney Harbour cruises. On Boxing Day, their premium fleet guarantees an up close and comfortable way to watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start.

Make This Boxing Day One to Remember

This year, trade the crowds for comfort and see the race like never before. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a sailing enthusiast, a Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises is the ultimate way to celebrate.

👉 Book your Boxing Day cruise today

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race FAQ

Q1: What is the best way to see the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start?
A Boxing Day Sydney Harbour Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises offers the best views, away from crowds, with dining and commentary included.

Q2: What time does the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start?
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race traditionally begins at 1:00 pm on Boxing Day, December 26.

Q3: Is Boxing Day a good time to take a Sydney Harbour cruise?
Yes, Boxing Day is one of the best days to cruise Sydney Harbour, with the excitement of the yacht race and festive summer atmosphere.

Q4: Do Captain Cook Boxing Day Cruises include food and drinks?
Yes, specialty Captain Cook Boxing Day Lunch Cruises include gourmet dining, premium drinks, and onboard commentary. There are also cruises where you can BYO Lunch or cruise only

Q5: What is some Boxing Day trivia I can impress my friends with?

• The first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was held in 1945
• Known as one of the world's toughest ocean races, each yacht travels 628 nautical miles
• The race record set by 100ft super-maxi LDV Comanche in 2017 stands at 1 day 9 hours 15 minutes and 24 seconds
• 2023 overall winner was Alive, while LawConnect won line honours
  
• Tony Ellis (NSW) holds the record for most races by any competitor; 54 races (1 overall win, 2 line honours)
• The most races by any boat award goes to Bacardi with 30 races
  
• The Tattersall Cup is awarded to the ultimate winner of the handicap competition based on the length, shape, weight and sail dimensions of the yacht
• 1994 (the 50th event) holds the record for highest number of starters at 371. There were 309 finishers
• Rolex has been the naming rights sponsor of the race since 2002
• The iconic annual race is known as the 'blue water classic'
• Competitors must be at least 18 years of age. The oldest ever competitors both sailed in 2008 - John Walker (Skipper), 86 and Syd Fischer, 8
  
• On average up to 18% of the fleet retire annually. 1984 saw the highest rate of retirement of 70%
• The fleet sails from Sydney Harbour out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait and down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to complete their gruelling journey in the historic port city of Hobart