2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | Fraser Coast Water Sports | Water Polo, Diving, Jet Ski and Boating in Fraser Coast

UPDATE: Alfa Romeo wins Sydney-Hobart

WATCH highlights and live coverage of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from the deck of The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Telcoinabox Merit.

For the past 64 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (also known as the Blue Water Classic) has entertained people across Australia.

Be part of the action with videos from the Merit team and skipper, Leo Rodriguez.



Background

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts on 26 December year, starting in Sydney Harbour and winging it's way through the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River.

It's become an icon of Australia’s summer sport to rival the Melbourne Cup and the Ashes between Australia and England. It's undoubtedly one of the biggest water sports events in the world.

Not only is the race internationally renowned for influencing the world of race communications and safety, but it attracts huge media coverage and is often regarded as being bigger then the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, which are only held every five years.

The 2008 race began on Sydney Harbour at noon on Boxing Day, before heading south 630 nautical miles through the Tasman Sea, Bass Strait, Storm Bay and the Derwent River before finishing in Hobart, Tasmania.

Last year's race consisted of 100 starters. This year is set to be bigger and better with contenders from right around the globe.

The race initially began as a cruise but was later turned into a race, after a visiting British Royal Navy Officer made the suggestion in 1945. The event has grown over the decades since, attracting crews from around the world and celebrated it's 60th anniversary in 2004.

The current race record was set in 2005 by Wild Oats XI, which crossed the line in a time of 1 day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds.

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Crew set for ocean classic

Friendly foes set to battle it out

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Watch live video of the Rolex Sydney Hobart from December 26 at http://www.svsvideo.tv.