Name: Final preparations for Sydney to Hobart includes a Santa visit
Uploaded: 2025-12-25T06:53:37.466Z
Duration: 1 min 37 s
Description: Sailors are gearing up for a wet and wild ride as the Sydney to Hobart yacht race gets underway. For some, the conditions could be perfect, but for others, it’s a daunting prospect. Even Santa Claus made an appearance to motivate the crews.

Sailors are gearing up for a wet and wild ride as the Sydney to Hobart yacht race gets underway. For some, the conditions could be perfect, but for others, it’s a daunting prospect. Even Santa Claus made an appearance to motivate the crews.

Council of the City of Sydney

Santa, known for spreading Christmas cheer, participated in his 50th consecutive Sydney to Hobart yacht race in 2024. He explained that after completing his Christmas duties, he travels to Australia to join the race on Boxing Day morning, inspiring many in the sailing community.

The event also featured international crews, including a team from California aiming to improve on last year's performance and a double-handed team from New Caledonia preparing for challenging conditions. Santa offered advice to fellow sailors, emphasizing the importance of finding the right current for a successful race.

Final preparations for Sydney to Hobart includes a Santa visit

Having spread the cheer to households nationwide, Santa had one last call down under. Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! Big Red Man is actually an avid sailor. 2024 was his 50th consecutive Blue Water Classic. How are you the busiest man in the world, but have also done 50 Hobarts? Well, you see, Christmas Day is over, and it doesn't matter whereabouts in the world it's over, the reindeers can get me here on Boxing Day morning. So I do a bit of work beforehand, then turn up here on the morning, jump on a boat and go. Santa's tenacity has inspired many. Bashan Al has returned from California for a second crack. In America, this is considered one of the very heights of sailing accomplishment, is to finish the Sydney to Hobart race. And we think we have a shot to do well. Well, hopefully better than last year. The All-American crew broke a boom and had to retire on her maiden voyage. And after some time down below sulking, I came back up. Next play, right? Next play. Let's see what's next. Santa's spirit needed on board this double-hander from New Caledonia. Hey! A last day with family before the arduous journey south begins for just two of them on deck. Yeah, it's going to be wild. They said it's going to be three metres, just after the heads, and quite windy. But the forecast is quite nice for the small boats. Even nicer when the skipper has a pleasant expectation. We hope to be in the top 20 in double-handed. So there are 20 competitors, so... LAUGHTER If all else fails, listen to the master. Do you have any advice for a small boat? Get in the current. Yeah. Right? Bumpy. But get in that current off Kaiama. Sage advice. Trent Simpson, 10 News.

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