<p>Since its inception back in 1945, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been a Boxing Day staple for all of Australia.</p> <p>Alongside the Boxing Day Test, this prestigious race stands tall as one of our flagship post-Christmas sporting events.</p> <p>One of the toughest and most revered Category 1 ocean races on the planet, Sydney to Hobart is the only major race that starts in a harbour and finishes in a river.</p> <p>This year’s race will be the 79th edition of the iconic race and a fleet in excess of 100 vessels is expected.</p> <p>Thousands of spectators are expected to gather on the water and surrounding clifftops at 1pm on Boxing Day to see off the fleet.</p> <p>There will also be plenty of punters following the action at home, so that’s why we’ve drawn together this list of potential picks for the big race.</p> <p>We’ve identified who we think are the favourites for the 2024 Sydney to Hobart yacht race as well as some under the radar options that could be about to spring a mutiny and upset the established order of things.</p> <p>For the latest news, analysis, odds and tips check out our 2024 Sydney to Hobart Preview and Predictions below!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2024 Predictions</h2> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <h3>The Favourites</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Master Lock Comanche</strong></em></p> <p>Raced last year as <em>Andoo Comanche</em>, this 100-footer has undergone a slight rebrand as it looks to go one better this time around.</p> <p>Pipped to the post by a mere 51 seconds last year in some of the craziest scenes you are ever likely to see.</p> <p>Now sailing as <em>Master Lock Comanche</em>, this vessel will be chartered by Matt Allena and James Mayo is considered the boat to beat heading into the 2024 Sydney to Hobart.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>LawConnect</strong></em></p> <p>Last year’s line honours winner, <em>LawConnect </em>managed to reel in <em>Comanche </em>on the river just in time to take out the Sydney to Hobart title for 2023.</p> <p>Christian Beck is onboard again to defend his title, and we anticipate this rig to be <em>Commanche’s</em> main challenger for the title once again.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Wild Thing 100</strong></em></p> <p>Back again to set sail in the pursuit of Sydney to Hobart glory is <em>Wild Thing 100.</em> Extended from 80 to 100 feet just before last year’s race, this Grant Wharington manned vessel will be looking to break up the <em>Comanche</em> and <em>LawConnect</em> bromance and stake her claim for the 2024 Sydney to Hobart crown.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Under the Radar Options</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Alive</strong></em></p> <p>Last year’s overall winner, yes, that’s a thing, <em>Alive </em>will be in the mix once again for that and line honours.</p> <p>Line honours is the order in which boats cross the finish line, while overall is calculated based on race times which are then offset by the differences between the vessels. Factors such as weight and length are taken into account for this.</p> <p>While we’re more concerned about line honours here, <em>Alive</em> is a two-time overall winner and cannot be overlooked.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>URM Group</strong></em></p> <p>Second overall to Alive last year was <em>URM Group</em>. Anthony Johnston’s RP72 will be ready to race with the best of them in a quest to go one better in 2024.</p> <p>We expect them to get tangled in another race-long war with <em>Alive </em>as they both once again scrap for overall honours.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Caro</strong></em></p> <p>Rounding out the roughies is Kiwi cruiser<em> Caro</em>. The New Zealand vessel finished third back in 2022 and is always a threat when on the water.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How to Watch Sydney to Hobart 2024</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This year, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has partnered with Nine’s multi-platform media network to broadcast the iconic race.</p> <p>The live broadcast on Boxing Day will be on the free-to-air Channel Nine. There are also live-stream options available on their video-on-demand service 9Now.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney to Hobart 2024 Time and Date Australia</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>December 26, 2024</p> <p><strong>Start time: </strong>1pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Sydney Harbour to River Derwent.</p> <p><strong>Distance:</strong> 628 nautical miles (1,163kms)</p> <p><strong>Where to watch: </strong>Nine Network.</p>