The 628-nautical-mile Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia's summer sport, ranking in public interest in line with national events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open tennis championship and the Boxing Day cricket Test. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage as does the start on Sydney Harbour.
A solid Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race result is crucial to placing in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, as it is a non-discardable race with the first placegetter receiving 0 points.
Navy One will be crewed by the selected Navy Offshore Sailing Team.
