Man against Nature photographs:

[beecee]

Having helped crewed a three masted barquentine from Panama to Sydney in 1974, I have somewhat of a love of the sea, and the awesome nature that it brings for mankind to conquer.

An annual yacht race takes place on Boxing day from Sydney to Hobart, a distance of 1170 kms, crossing the notorious Bass Straight..... 

This year has provided some very  choppy seas which has played havoc with the 86 yachts this year, seeing more then 36 yachts retire......

Some extraordinary photos on some of the yachts after leaving Sydney Harbour over the years.  Sadly though, Six men died, five boats sank and 55 sailors were rescued during the 1998 spectacle when a deep depression exploded over the fleet in the Bass Strait.

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