Get Set for Australia's Bluewater Classic

It's that time of the year when sailors and sailing enthusiasts begin to look forward to Boxing Day when the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Bluewater Classic, begins at 1pm on Sydney Harbour.

There seems to be fewer boats racing this time, with 79 boats declared for the bluewater classic.

The maxi yachts, particularly last year's line honors winner Investec Loyal now renamed Ragamuffin-Loyal and five-time line honors winner Wild Oats XI, are among the top contenders aiming to cross the Derwent River finish line first.

But this is a handicap race, of course, and the line honors winner may not be the overall winner at all.

Will there be surprises?

Map courtesy Sydney Hobart Yacht Race