To commemorate the 60th Anniversary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is planning an historic Parade of Sail, prior to the start of the bluewater classic on Boxing Day.

It is hoped that at least one yacht from each of the past 59 races will line up for a Parade of Sail. The boats will travel through the exclusion zone from Bradley’s Head to North Head as a spectator event for the tens of thousands of people who arrive early to secure prime viewing positions.

Already Archina, a beautiful ketch which competed in the first Sydney Hobart Race in 1945 and is still sailed on Sydney Harbour, has indicated its participation in this inaugural event.

It is hoped that the other two remaining yachts from the first fleet of nine, Kathleen (Gillett), which has been restored and is at the Australian Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, and Wayfarer, still owned by Peter Luke, a Life Member of the CYCA, will also join the spectacle on Sydney Harbour.

The Parade of Sail will start inside the southern end of the exclusion zone between 11.00am and midday (start time will depend on the number of entries) and finish at Sydney Heads around a hour later, allowing the exclusion zone to be cleared for the 100 or more yachts expected to compete in the 60th anniversary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts at 1.00pm.

Yachts participating in the Parade of Sail will be encouraged to fly bunting and battle flags from previous Sydney Hobart Races to create a colourful procession to mark the anniversary of one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons.

Skippers of former Sydney Hobart yachts, particularly Overall, Line Honours and Divisional winners, are asked to register their interest in participating by contacting Roger Wragby in the CYCA Sailing Office on 612 9363 4445 or email safety_training@cyca.com.au