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The 2005 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race started this afternoon at 13.20 hours local time. 85 Teams set sails for one of world’s toughest offshores. As expected, the two bigger canting keel Maxi’s, Wild Oats XI and Alfa Romeo quickly leaded the fleet out of the bay. On the ocean, the number and sizes of spectator boats were just bizar. From jetski, to canoe to vessels, everything that floated was on the water. As an European journalist, who is on the Sydney media boat for the very first time, it was an awesome experience to watch this Australian spectacle. I cannot compare it to anything so far.

The conditions were light with a 8 knot north easterly breeze, but are expected to pick up on Tuesday. The critical part of the race will be Wednesday, as the north easterly wind will increase to 25-35 knotts with rough seas. The Maxi’s will fly down the coast, but will they catch the double (new record and overall win)?

Please check ‘Photography’ for the images of this incredible start.