The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 will start on 26 December at 1.00pm and will be conducted on the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River.

Over the past 63 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia's summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Davis Cup tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England.

Participants from maxi yachts to weekend racers take part in this event, which starts from Nielsen Park in Sydney Habour and takes the fleet 628 nautical miles to the finish line in the Derwent River, Hobart.

Suggested viewing locations for the start from land:
* Lyne Park, Rose Bay
* Nielsen Park
* Christianson Park, Old South Head Road, Vaucluse (free parking available) walkways from South Head up to The Gap: Bronte, Coogee, Watsons Bay
* North Head
* Middle Head

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia organises a number of charter boats which have access to the exclusion zone for the start on Boxing Day. Details available from www.cyca.com.au or email reception@cyca.com.au

For information about the history of the race, the sailing route, or arrival celebrations in Hobart, go to: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com