Competitors in this year’s Sydney to Hobart rowing race need to be prepared for bad weather as thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in Australia’s largest rowing race.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast severe weather for the match, including heavy rainfall, lightning, poor visibility and possible hail.
The bureau has issued a marine wind warning for New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as a severe thunderstorm warning for areas surrounding the race.
BoM senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said the thunderstorm activity that has hit the east coast will move offshore on Boxing Day, when the competition kicks off.
“We are currently fully prepared for severe thunderstorms,” she said.
“In terms of the race itself, it looks like they will see mild weather at the start but as they move into the open sea and further south the risk of thunderstorms will increase.
“Thunderstorms are really going to be a feature on Tuesday and Wednesday, and those storms are likely to produce quite erratic winds, possibly some hail and lightning, and reduced water visibility.”
Woodhouse said racers could expect a more “predictable” race as the low-pressure system causing the bad weather moves further offshore from Wednesday.
“We will see easterly winds blowing across parts of Bass Strait towards Tasmania. After that, conditions are looking more predictable, with south-westerly winds developing around Tasmania and the Strait, which will continue throughout the week. Shows up in the second half.”
Thunderstorms are expected to affect the New South Wales coast and Bass Strait in the early stages of the race, with faster boats likely to encounter fewer storms than other boats.
“It really depends on how quickly some ships can get to Tasmania – the earlier they get there, the more likely they are to see less risk associated with the storm,” Woodhouse said.
Woodward said the storm was expected to be “intense.”
“The winds we’re seeing are really strong and erratic. So that could mean that the wind direction and wind speed are going to change very quickly and increase a lot. So it could be very dangerous on the water.
“Add in the risk of lightning, heavy rain and potential hail, and the risk is really high.”
More than 100 boats will compete in the 78th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
The LDV Comanche set the fastest record for a distance of approximately 1,170 kilometers, completing the race in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.
Last year, the winning yacht, Andoo Comanche, crossed the finish line in 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds.
