The Bureau of Meteorology is monitoring the weather conditions closely over the coming week to provide vital information to the race crews and navigators in the 2025 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which commences on the 26 December.
Senior meteorologist Edward Townsend-Medlock presented a pre-race weather forecast to organisers and navigators earlier this week, the first of 3 pre-race briefings.
"The initial stages of the race are at the end of the forecast period, which comes with a degree of uncertainty," Mr Townsend-Medlock said.
"Based on current guidance, light winds from the east to south-east are likely to begin the race, as a high-pressure system tracks into the Tasman Sea.
"A favourable northerly flow along the New South Wales coast would be expected into the second day of the race as the high shifts eastward."
"Organised long period swells of 1-2 metres from the south are on the forecast for the early stages."
Race navigators, who rely on the Bureau's forecasts, speaking at a media conference. Credit: Ashley Dart
Toward the end of the race, crews will be aware of the race's usual challenges including preparing for adverse wind conditions through the Bass Strait, and light and variable winds on the east coast of Tasmania.
"The Bureau will deliver an outline of the risks associated with the weather, as well as how to access the Bureau's services before and during the race to ensure participants are appropriately prepared," Mr Townsend-Medlock said.
Beyond the completion of the race, returning crews bringing the yachts back to Sydney also rely on our forecasts and marine weather warnings to get home safely.
