Maxis to be out in force for 75th

IT is two years away but plans are in hand for a blockbuster 75th anniversary of the Sydney to Hobart, including a 200plus fleet.

As the last yacht made it to Hobart yesterday after spending New Year’s Eve at sea, planning was already under way on the 2019 race.

While the 50th anniversary Sydney to Hobart attracted a record 371 starters this figure is unlikely to be matched in 2019.

Strict safety changes were made in the wake of the deadly 1998 race that has made it tougher and more expensive for yachts and crews to be compliant.

However, the fleet is expected to be of the highest calibre with early interest locally and internationally, and potentially the biggest fleet of supermaxis seen in Australia on the Boxing Day startling in 2019.

Adding to numbers is the potential return of the Clipper round the world yachts.

In 2017 and 2015, the Syd- ney to Hobart has been a leg of their round the world trek.

Clipper race director Mark Light said the return of the fleet was still to be determined with a decision made closer to the race.

“It is something very special for all of our Clipper Race crews to be taking part in this iconic Rolex Sydney to Hobart race,” Light said,

“Our yachts are fully set up for ocean racing around the world, but to get to do battle with so many famous racing monohulls and to arrive into Hobart for such a spectacular welcome is fantastic.

“The Clipper Race brings so much colour and excitement to the RSHYR and it would be great to be back racing in a much larger fleet for the 75th edition in 2019.”

The Newcastle yacht Freyja completed the Sydney to Hobart on yesterday soon before 8.10am to bring the 73rd race to a close.

The 72-year-old 8m yacht and her eight crew took close to six days to complete the race.