Weather News

Favourable winds for the Sydney to Hobart

Craig McIntosh, Thursday December 27, 2018 - 14:03 AEDT

Yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race are in favourable winds, which should last until Saturday morning.

A broad high over the Tasman Sea is generating a favourable, yet relatively weak, north-northeast wind for the sailors. This high is preventing seas from being too rough as well as keeping skies mostly clear. Currently, LDV Comanche is leading the pack, already midway down Tasmania's east coast, with the majority of racers still off the coast of southern NSW and Victoria.

Although LDV Comanche and the other maxi's are likely to finish well ahead of any wind change, the other sailors should see favourable conditions remain until Saturday morning. Sailors are likely to experience similar conditions to today until Friday evening, when northerly winds will strengthen ahead of a trough. Come Saturday morning, a cold front will bring a gusty westerly wind change, tending southerly during the day as the winds wrap around the Apple Isle. Isolated thunderstorms are also a chance overhead with the passing of the trough and cold front.

Generally, southerly winds will persist until Monday, making it a little bit harder for the smaller boats to reach the River Derwent at a speedy pace. If boats are still sailing come Monday, which is unlikely, winds will become more favourable again.

- Weatherzone

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