Sydney to Hobart organisers will hold crisis talks on Friday, with the 2020 yacht race in doubt due to the COVID-19 outbreak on Sydney's northern beaches.
By Friday morning the cluster of cases had grown to 28, prompting Tasmania to close borders to anyone who lives or has visited the hot spot since December 11.
The decision will exclude a number of sailors who reside in the area from the time-honoured race, due to start on Boxing Day.
In a statement on Friday morning, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) said it would continue planning for the race.
Organisers are expecting an update at around 6pm (AEDT).
"The CYCA is closely monitoring the recent NSW Health COVID-19 advisory warnings for Sydney's northern beaches and the current Tasmanian government exclusions," it said.
"The CYCA continues to work with NSW Health and the Tasmania Department of Health and we will put any additional measures in place to ensure that the race remains COVID safe.
"The club will have further discussions with the Tasmanian Department of Health ... and provide an update later in the day."
On Friday afternoon Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein said he was leaving the decision in the hands of race organisers.
"They will need to determine whether they have a fleet of suitable size, but those matters will be worked through with them and we'll update as soon as we have a clearer picture of it," he said.
"Whether you're coming on a yacht or a plane or a boat, you're coming into Tasmania under the rules that apply at that particular time."
It's the latest complication for the historical race which has run for the past 75 years consecutively.
Around 100 entries were expected for this year's event, but numbers had dropped back to 75 as travel restrictions and economic circumstances impact on participants from around the world.
Already strict COVID-19 protocols were to be in place for crews arriving in Hobart, with everyone to be screened for symptoms by Tasmanian health and biosecurity experts.
