Corinthian sailors from 26 different nationalities will take part, making it an event to remember.

Clipper Around The World Yacht Race founder and legendary British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will also race on one of two Clipper 68 Events yachts taking part.

The 14-strong fleet will compete in the Australian offshore classic for the second time as part of its 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation, and will once again have its own Clipper Race class.

The fleet will arrive into Sydney around December 11 on the All-Australian Leg, half-way in its global race series having left London on 30 August.

“There is a real buzz amongst our Clipper Race crew about racing with the world’s best sailors again in one of the most famous offshore races.”, said Knox-Johnson. “The crew will have sailed half way round the world in order to participate, and will be excited to pit themselves against the best competitors in the sport.

“The event was one of the highlights of the entire circumnavigation when we first competed in 2013, and we are very excited to be coming back to compete again.”

The two Sydney-based Clipper 68s are entered in the RSHYR and former Clipper Race crew and non-crew are invited to take part.

Amongst the Clipper Race competitors will be Sydney Skipper Wendy Tuck, the first Australian female Skipper in the history of the Clipper Race, who is leading the Da Nang – Viet Nam entry. GREAT Britain and Visit Seattle Skippers Peter Thornton and Huw Fernie will also compete in their second RSHYR.

And 50 Australian amateur crew are competing in the circumnavigation from across various states.

“This year the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is shaping up to be a spectacular – our 71st race will be an event to watch – from the super maxis vying for the fastest time to the bulk of the fleet battling it out for the prized Tattersall’s Cup, awarded to the overall winner.”, said CYCA (Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia) Commodore, John Cameron.

“Added to the mix we have, for the second time, the Clipper Race yachts. They will bring an additional 14 boats to our race, with the added character that only Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and his yachts and crews can add as part of their round the world Race, and we look forward to welcoming them back,” he ended.

The fleet will arrive in Sydney from Albany, Western Australia, before racing in the 628 nautical mile classic, which will form Race 5 of the 14 race global Clipper 2015-16 Race series.