Everything you need to know about the great race

“There has clearly been a review and investigation into the tragic loss of life that occurred last year and there have been some pretty significant changes,” said CYCA overall winner and commander Sam Haynes. “We always try to improve safety in sports in all situations, but [were] “Some details that caught the attention of the club and the racing community.”

Changes This includes requiring each crew member to wear a man overboard detection system on top of the already required personal locator beam. At least 50 percent of each crew must now complete the ship’s qualifying race.

Who will win?

Last year, LawConnect won line honors after captain Christian Beck described the first night of the race as the worst experience he had ever had in sailing. The yacht has won line awards for the last two years and five-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe joined the crew this year.

Beck isn’t too confident about his chances of getting a third straight win.

“Last year the Comanches clearly had their main sails split in half, and we’re probably not going to be that lucky this year because those kinds of mistakes do happen, but they’re pretty rare,” he said.

Haynes was the last overall winner in the Celestial V70, winning last year by the second-largest margin in Tattersall Cup history.

“All in all, if I can hold that trophy above my head – which is not as easy as it looks, I must say I dropped it last year – but if I can get that chance again, I’ll definitely grab it,” he said.

How to watch the race

The race will be broadcast on Channel 9 but the start can be watched from many locations around the harbour.

If you’re north of the bridge, Georges Head Lookout, Mosman’s Obelisk Battery or North Head Lookout should provide a glimpse of the fleet; Nielsen Park, Watsons Bay and Hornby Lighthouse, South Head, Christison Park and Lady Bay Beach should do the same for those looking for somewhere south of the Harbor Bridge.

Alternatively, if you’re keen on swimming, the beaches in the southern eastern suburbs should also offer views of passing yachts.