Please select your home edition
Edition
Noble Marine 2022 YY - LEADERBOARD

The early bird catches the fireworks: New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour

by Penny Robins 27 Dec 2019 06:04 GMT
New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour © Penny Robins

Skippers are advised to go easy on drinking, be mindful of others and arrive early for the best viewing spots on one of the busiest days on Sydney Harbour, New Year's Eve.

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said more than 4000 spectator craft are expected to converge on Sydney Harbour to see the fireworks and other entertainment, including the 9.15pm Harbour of Light Parade.

NSW Maritime will manage the on water safety and traffic management for New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour with around 50 patrols boats, including those from Marine Area Command Water Police and NSW Marine Rescue.

"Sydney Harbour is one of the best locations to view the lights and fireworks at 9pm and midnight. There will be a large number of boats competing for a limited number of anchorages and we want to ensure we do everything we can to facilitate safe vessel movements and prevent tempers flaring on the water," Mr Hutchings said.

"Boaters need to leave home early to secure prime vantage points in daylight, be patient as there will be a lot of marine traffic and crowds accessing the water at boat ramps, ensure vessels are out of exclusion zones and keep to the maximum six knot speed limit.

"Exclusion zones will be in place from 8pm on New Year's Eve to 12.45am on New Year's Day extending from Cockatoo Island in the west to Clark Island in the east. No unauthorised vessels will be allowed in these areas during this time and access beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be prohibited. The speed limit for recreational vessels in and around the exclusion zones will be six knots.

"Skippers should make sure their anchor is secured and won't drag, and boats have enough room to freely swing and not hit another vessel."

He said although last year on Sydney Harbour there were a handful of fines for not following lifejacket rules, the vast majority of boat operators were respectful and followed the rules.

"There's a lot to celebrate on New Year's Eve, just remember the alcohol limit for skippers is 0.05 (zero if under 18) - the same on water as it is on the road - and there's also no place for taking drugs and boating. If you plan to have a drink, ensure you have a Plan B - such as a designated skipper to get you and your boat home," Mr Hutchings said.

"It is also the skipper's responsibility to ensure all of the appropriate safety equipment including lifejackets, navigation lights and anchor lights are on board, in working order and used when appropriate.

"When the fireworks are complete, skippers will need to exercise patience as the fireworks barges cool down and thousands of other boats will be moving around the harbour with limited visibility.

"It's important in choppy conditions for everyone to wear a lifejacket, take it slow and reduce wash. Skippers must keep a proper lookout at all times and maintain a safe speed."

Last New Year's Eve there was one notable incident which resulted in a serious injury to the skipper and a written off boat after a fire started on board the vessel after refuelling at a marina.

New Year's Eve maps, exclusion zones and recommended vantage points here.

Related Articles

Merlin Rocket HD Sails Midland Series at Midland
In retrospect a strange experience to have on one's day off Fifteen boats ventured out to Midland Sailing Club to sail in conditions only those with sufficient mettle can tolerate on Sunday 18th May. Posted today at 6:36 pm
Yachting World Dayboats at Bosham
Racers discover a part of the harbour the home fleet rarely visit The fourteen-boat fleet that gathered for this year's Bosham SC Yachting World Dayboat Open meeting over the weekend of the 17th and 18th May enjoyed champagne sailing conditions. Four visiting boats joined the home fleet. Posted today at 6:26 pm
CIC Normandy Channel Race day 3
Another 6 retirements after the entire day in meaty conditions The 16th CIC Normandy Channel Race fleet has spent the entire day navigating meaty conditions. The 25-30 knots of SW'ly wind and heavy seas in the area have made it a real slog to gain access to the Wolf Rock mark. Posted today at 5:26 pm
A Fresh Take on Doublehanded Dinghy Sailing
The Melges 15 delivers high-performance sailing with unmatched accessibility The Melges 15 is redefining what sailors can expect from a modern, doublehanded dinghy. Since its launch, the boat has gained momentum across America and Europe for one simple reason — it delivers high-performance sailing with unmatched accessibility. Posted today at 4:00 pm
Chelmarsh SC visits Dovey SC
Annual weekend away to Aberdyfi Chelmarsh Sailing Club held its annual sailing weekend at Aberdyfi, hosted by Dovey Yacht Club. An event in its 27th year which has become a cherished tradition, offering both racing and camaraderie against the stunning backdrop of the Dyfi estuary. Posted today at 3:03 pm
505s at Hayling
Frankly the top reach required more rugby skills than sailing Ten intrepid teams gazed across Chichester Harbour, under the board-stiff flags flying off the Hayling clubhouse — the wind gods offering early hints of what was in store for the weekend: West-South-Westerly winds at 20-24 knots and a big, steep swell. Posted today at 2:39 pm
RORC Myth of Malham concludes
French mastery and family firepower light up the podium First held in 1958, the Myth of Malham Race has built a rich legacy for more than six decades of offshore racing. The 2025 edition proudly joins the ranks of its most memorable chapters. Posted today at 1:05 pm
Ruffian 23 Ulster Championships
Carrickfergus hosts inaugural event after local fleet resurgence The weekend of 24th - 25th May saw the Inaugural Ruffian 23 Ulster Championships hosted by Carrickfergus Sailing Club. Saturday morning started an overcast day with the wind 15 kts gusting into the late teens/early twenties. Posted today at 12:18 pm
Osprey Scottish and Northern Championship
Hosted by Coniston SC as part of the Toplex / PHG Open Regatta The Osprey Scottish & Northern Champions was hosted by Coniston SC as part of the 2025 Toplex / PHG Coniston Sailing Club Open Regatta on 24th & 25th May 2025. The Ospreys were part of the Fast Handicap fleet of 18 boats. Posted today at 12:07 pm
International sponsor 2025 WLYC 24 Hour Race
The event will take place on 13th-14th September 2025 at Southport Marine Lake West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) is thrilled to announce International yacht paint as the headline sponsor for the 2025 WLYC 24 Hour Race, the UK's premier dinghy sailing endurance event. Posted today at 11:37 am