Sydney to Hobart

Every year on Boxing day, it's standing room only on Sydney harbour at the start of this ocean race. In a couple of days (or less if the weather is right) it will finish in Hobart. The race distance is approximately 630 nautical miles (1,170 km). This shot was taken from Middle Head just after the 1pm canon started the race. The maxis always win line honours and frequently overall after handicap. The big maxi to the left is Ragamuffin and the last to the right is Wild Oats. Wild Oats was first out the heads and is currently in the lead. It took off like a balloon with the air let out of it. There was scandal as one of the yachts didn't get it's paper work in correctly and was scratched. Safety is critical after a disastrous year when a terrible storm caused many yachts to founder and people were killed.

As you can see, a glorious day compared to yesterday. I finally saw Skyfall today and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. For Hobbs, I think I found the most amazing Christmas decorations in Cremorne. If you are interested see here. And yes, that is a polar bear and a penguin on the roof in one of the photos in the set.