Sydney to Hobart yacht race: fleet sets off under dark skies after heavy storm threatens start

Andoo Comanche competes in stormy weather during the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race at 1pm on Boxing Day. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

The 78th edition of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has begun under dark skies that threatened to be much worse as the scheduled start time approached.

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds blanketed Sydney Harbour an hour before the 1pm AEDT start but cleared as the 103-vessel fleet jostled for position.