The start of the yacht race

[Mikes]

A 385 nautical mile yacht race from Sydney Harbor to Southport takes place at the end of July each year. This year, around 60 yachts competed. I usually take part, but other commitments intervened this year. I watched the start with a couple of friends on their boat, and borrowed my wife's never-used-before Nikon Coolpix P900 for the event. I must admit that I was quite impressed with it given the unstable platform of our pitching boat and the distance between us and the competitors.

A few random snaps. Sorry about the date stamp - I forgot to turn it off.

[Jan Anne]

Impressive yachts Mike, totally different league than the sailboat I was on a few times this summer 

Is your crew on one of these images btw?

[Mikes]

No, only one jumped ship to race this year.

These maxis are way out of my league, too. You would need the GDP of a small country to run each one of them!

[MFloyd]

Commanche, a 100ft super maxi, designed by the French Verdier, and owned by the former Netscape founder, I believe, is so beamy, that it’s nickname is the “Aircraft Carrier”. Yes, definitely another world. 

[Erik Lund]

Very intimidating,,, Wow 

[Akira]

Wow, do you "usually take part" in the yacht race?  That is amazing!

A literal "super zoom" camera would be some of the most appropriate camera for the purpose.  Glad you enjoyed the race!

[Mikes]

Hi Akira. Yes, I have raced about 8 times in this winter race over the last 12 years, missing three while I have been living in Tokyo. I have a Danish X-Yacht, and sail with a crew of 8. It’s less than half the size of the maxis!

A feature of the race is the annual migration of whales along the east coast of Australia during the race. We had one breach unexpectedly a few metres from the boat during a race a couple of years ago. Scary!