The Launceston to Hobart yacht race is a 285 nautical mile race,[1] commencing at Beauty Point on the Tamar River, with competitors sailing out of the Tamar River, east along the northern coast of Tasmania (eastern Bass Strait), through Banks Strait and south down Tasmania's East Coast, through Mercury Passage between mainland Tasmania and Maria Island, across Storm Bay, to a finish line in the Derwent River.
On Tuesday 30 October 2007, Hobart Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, launched the race at a ceremony held at the Derwent Sailing Squadron.
Attending the launch were the Commodores from the Derwent Sailing Squadron, Bellerive Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania; Life Members of the Derwent Sailing Squadron; competitors and race officials; and representatives from Clive Peeters sponsor.
The race distance is 285 nautical miles (528 km) and commences on 27 December off Inspection Head on the Tamar River at Beauty Point.
The race commences mid river, adjacent to the docks at Inspection Head at Beauty Point and the course is north and out the month of the Tamar River at Low Head into Bass Strait, east along the northern coast of Tasmania, through Banks Strait, then south along the east coast, through Mercury Passage (as Maria Island is a mark of the course requiring competitors keep the island to port), around Tasman Island, across Storm Bay and up the Derwent River, to a finish line off Castray Esplanade.
Previously, the Overall Winner has been eligible for only one trophy and, as a result, the next three boats moved up one place in the AMS and PHS handicap categories.
It was later awarded to George Chevert, the skipper of a yacht named Mabel that won a Derwent Sailing Squadron pennant in 1893.
4 The 2022 race started from Lagoon Beach at Low Head due to tide and light weather conditions.
[4] 2 Philosopher was granted redress of 20 minutes after standing by the dismasted RAD off Tasman Island at the height of the 50–60 knot north-westerly storm in the early hours of morning of the 29 December 2018.
Previously, the Overall Winner has bee eligible for only one trophy and , as a result the next three boats moved up one place in the AMS and PHS handicap categories.