For over three-quarters of a century, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania has offered an enticing platform for human achievement, spirit and endeavour; qualities with which Rolex, partners of the race for near twenty years, has a deep affinity. First held in 1945, the start has a traditional lunchtime slot on 26 December. The famous 628-nautical mile (1,010-kilometre) course starts from Sydney Harbour and finishes in Hobart, the capital of the island state of Tasmania.