Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - 1993 Late afternoon, December 28 1993 - dramatic combination of wind and current

Click image to view A stream of warm, tropical air was moving south-east from Queensland to New Zealand. It then crosses over the Tasman Sea and spirals into a 992 hectapascal low east of Bass Strait. The Topex-Poseidon satellite which provides Australian oceanographers with data indicated an unusually strong East Australian Current at the time of year. The contrary current amplified and steepened waves that were already high, forcing 67 of 104 yachts to retire, including race favourite Brindabella. Line honours were eventually taken by the NSW entry Ninety Seven.n   For more information contact Kim Badcock Phone: 03 6232 5398 Fax: 03 6232 5123 Email: Kim.Badcock@ml.csiro.au