The start was in light easterlies which remained throughout the first afternoon. The influence of spectator craft out of Sydney Heads was the worst for years. Easterlies stayed light all the first night but slowly freshened the 2nd day to 15-18 knots to give a fast reach down the NSW coast in overcast conditions. The wind slowly backed to the NE and freshened to 25 knots during the 2nd night to give a fast glide across Bass Strait. 

Down the Tasmanian Coast on the 3rd day the wind stayed at NE at 20 knots and a new record appeared imminent for the leaders. The wind (and hopes for a record) faded  on the 3rd night with light and variable winds with heavy rain. 

On the morning of the 4th day the wind slowly freshened from the South to 20 - 30 knots which pushed the winners home. The wind slowly faded and left the smaller boats in light and variable conditions down the Tasmanian Coast and across Storm Bay and in the Derwent.