The start of Sydney to Hobart 2011 Yacht Race was a stunning event as usual. The super maxis had the size and speed to lead the 86 yachts out of the Sydney Harbour.
The other excitment often over looked is the mahem, bravery, jockeying, and sometimes fear, is within the spectator fleet jostling
to a get a close vantage on the race, whilst avoiding each other, outside the race boundary as well as handling the white water chop and swells. The spectator fleet often numbers 5 to 10 times the number of racing yachts. Ranging from surf skis, to which the water police on the jet skis chased back to the shores, speed boats, sailing yachts, charter yachts, cruisers, ferries in all shapes and sizes. (btw – jet skis are illegal for all othe people on Sydney Harbour, except apparently the water police.)