Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

When

• Thursday, 26 December 2024 - 11:30am to 2:20pm

Special Event

Vessel operators are advised that a Special Event pursuant to Section 12(2) of the Marine Safety Act 1998 is to be held on Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), from Garden Island to Sydney Heads (as depicted on the diagram) between 11:30am and 2:20pm on Thursday 26 December 2024.

Exclusion Zone

Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, Transport for NSW (“TfNSW”) has granted an Exclusive Use Aquatic License to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and an Exclusion Zone (‘the Zone’) will be established on the navigable waters of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) from Garden Island to Sydney Heads bounded by imaginary lines drawn between the Garden Island port hand beacon and the most western point of Bradley’s Head; and the most Northerly point of Middle Head and Cannae Point Flagstaff, and the North Head starboard hand beacon and the Macquarie light , between the above times.

The Zone will be marked by a perimeter of yellow buoys (as per the diagram) and patrolled by Transport for NSW (Maritime) patrol vessels, Water Police, and Marine Rescue vessels. The activation and deactivation of the Exclusion Zone will be broadcast on marine radio VHF 13.

A Regulated Area will also be established within which the following special restrictions will apply: 

• No sail vessel other than official competing yachts may have sails hoisted between 12:00 midday and 2:20pm
• A 6 knot speed limit and a no wash zone applies within the Regulated Area for the duration of the event.

No Anchoring or Passive Craft Zone

Pursuant to section 12(3) of the Marine Safety Act 1998, a “No Anchoring or Passive Craft Zone” will also be established within the Regulated Area around the Exclusion Zone as indicated on the map between the above times.

No vessels are permitted to anchor in this area under any circumstances and, due to the safety risk posed by the event and by spectator vessel traffic, no non-powered passive vessels (e.g, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, surf boats, surf skis, rowing craft) are permitted in this area at any time. 

Directions

Transport for NSW advises that in relation to the exclusion zone:

• Persons within the vicinity of the zone must comply with any directions given by any Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the Special Event or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
• No unauthorised vessels or persons are permitted to enter the zones and to do so may be an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.12(5) — Maximum Penalty $1,100.00).

Maps and Charts Affected

• Transport for NSW Boating Map – 9D 
• Port Jackson area special event map
• Navigation Chart AUS 200