You don’t need to be a sailing buff to enjoy watching the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Beginning on Boxing Day, December 26, the race is an iconic part of our Australian summertime.  See the boats sail out of the harbour heads with a picnic, barbeque or boat cruise on Sydney Harbour. Cheer as they cross the finish line in time for new year’s eve celebrations in Hobart. In between, marvel at the sailors’ fortitude, and fret with the rest of Australia as they battle the turbulent passage of Bass Strait.

In Sydney, watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart is a Boxing Day tradition. Secure yourself a spot amongst the spectators lining the harbour foreshore - from Rushcutters Bay to Watsons Bay and the rugged cliffs of South Head. On the northern shore, vantage points include Cremorne Point, Bradleys Head and Clifton Gardens or past Manly to North Head.

For a more luxurious race viewing experience, book a place on one of the many harbour cruises. Watch the flotilla of yachts jostling for position – from tiny 30-footers to the sleek maxi-yachts tipped to be winners. When the starting gun sounds at 1pm, the mood on the busy harbour is jubilant.

From Sydney, the convoy of colourful sails heads south along Australia’s east coast, on the start of their 630 nautical mile (1,170km) adventure. Even in summer, ‘southerly buster’ storms can make for a challenging race, and many yachts retire at Eden on the New South Wales south coast. It’s the last sheltered harbour before the notoriously rough Bass Strait crossing. Locals watch televised broadcasts of their journey along Tasmania’s east coast.

You can station yourself amongst the crowds in Hobart, where you can see the first yachts sprint up the Derwent River and into Battery Point on December 28. In 2005, the Australian yacht Wild Oats XI broke the race record, crossing the line in one day, 18 hours and 40 minutes. Whatever their time, the yachts receive a thunderous reception on Hobart’s historic waterfront. It’s a festive period for the city, which is also hosting the week-long Tasmania Taste Festival and welcoming in yachts from the Melbourne to Hobart and Launceston to Hobart races.

The Sydney to Hobart is a handicap race, so while one yacht claims the dramatic Line Honours, another is often announced the adjusted handicap winner on December 31. Watch the announcement on Hobart’s Constitution Dock, before joining the salty, exuberant yachties for new year’s eve celebrations on Hobart’s waterfront.  Watch the fireworks over Sullivans Cove, relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine along the waterfront or dance the night away to bands and DJs.

From start to finish, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race is an iconic Australian summer experience.