Skippers have been ordered to immediately retire from this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race should a crew member receive a positive COVID-19 result during the event.
All participants were required to undertake a PCR test within 72 hours from the race start yet some were still awaiting results before the race got underway on Sydney Harbour at 1pm (AEST) on Boxing Day.
It comes amid major testing delays after New South Wales recorded another record daily tally of COVID-19 cases on Sunday with 6934 positive cases recorded to 8pm on Christmas Day.
Four crews were already forced to withdraw from the race after numerous positive cases, shortening this year's Sydney to Hobart field from 91 to 87. This included Volvo 70 Open boat Willow, which was considered a frontrunner for the race, after three members tested positive.
“We had three positive tests and still waiting on two tests,” Willow skipper Jim Cooney said after having to withdraw on Christmas Day.
“There is no feasible or responsible way we can continue. I do have crew on standby that are negative, so it’s not so much about now, but what it might be like in 48 hours. There is still potential for people to pass it on.
"The approach is to gracefully withdraw and not put people in jeopardy."
The count down is on for this year’s Rolex #SydneytoHobart! ⛵️ As one of the world's most prestigious ocean races, a flotilla of sleek yachts race out of Sydney Harbour each #BoxingDay, and sail Australia’s east coast. Who is watching the race? #feelnewsydney #rolexsydneyhobart pic.twitter.com/7y9dslrimB
— Sydney.com (@sydney_sider) December 25, 2021
As a number of crews were still left in limbo from their tests in the lead up to Sunday, a call was made by the Tasmanian government to allow participants to start the race and receive their results on the way to Hobart.
Adding to the drama, crews in this year's race will have to contend with strong southerly winds forecasted for the next two days.