JACOB Broom will have a hearty Christmas lunch on Thursday.
But 24 hours later he will focus on the biggest event on his calendar for the festive season: the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race when it starts on Boxing Day.
Broom, 21, of Lilli Pilli, is a member of Cronulla Sailing Club.
He started sailing when he was seven and has been hooked on the sport ever since.
It’s been a busy few weeks for the young man as he prepared
to be part of the race crew aboard Ariel.
He completed his studies and did Christmas shopping.
‘‘Christmas Day is spent with the family and the next morning head to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia,’’ Broom said.
Last week he graduated with a bachelor of environmental science.
Together with fellow Cronulla Sailing Club members, Matthew Short, 24, of Lilli Pilli, and Ian Short of Ian Short Sails at Taren Point, the quartet will be aboard Ariel.
Ian Short is a member of CYCA and the yacht Ariel races with the CYCA.
Cronulla members Rory Cox, 24, of Cronulla, is aboard Terrafirma.
Clubmate Paddy Bannon, 21, of Lilli Pilli, will sail on Pazzaz. Broom is preparing for his fourth Sydney to Hobart classic.
‘‘The previous three I sailed with Warren Buchan on ColorTile,’’ Broom said.
Broom said there is nothing like the experience of sailing in the Sydney to Hobart.
‘‘It’s a unique event,’’ Broom said.
Broom is a bowman on Ariel.
Ian Short has provided the sails for the yacht.
Buchan isn’t racing in this year’s time-honoured event.
Buchan told the Leader he was preparing for the Navigational series in February.
Will Jacob Broom and the crew on the yacht Ariel perform well in the Sydney to Hobart?