A rough start is forecast for Sydney To Hobart yacht race which begins on Boxing Day.
Thermal underwear, wet-weather gear and sea sickness pills will be must-haves for the 87 crews taking part in the blue water classic.
The weather bureau has forecast strong southerly winds and big seas until the boats start heading down the sheltered Tasmanian coast.
The forecast puts paid to any chances of the supermaxis in the fleet bettering or equalling the race record of just over one day and 18 hours set by Wild Oats XI in 2005.
