Willie takes a bow for 23rd yacht race

It will be Irish-born Willie's 23rd Sydney to Hobart.

The veteran sailor is also a professional cameraman and much of the on board race footage that will be beamed into lounge rooms around the country over the next few days will come from Willie's camera.

Willie divides his time between his family, their 40-hectare farm at Emu Swamp east of Orange, filming and driving trucks at Cadia mine.

He says sailing and farming are similar pursuits in that they both rely on the weather.

"Whether you are sailing or farming you are at the mercy of the weather and have to cop what you get,” he said.

An ABC-trained cameraman, Willie sailed in five races before he started filming them. He says an ocean race places extra demands on a cameraman.

"You have to have the ability not to get sick for a start,” he said.

"I think it is just the ability to know and be aware of what is going on on the boat and having good sea legs on top of that.

"You must always anticipate what is going to happen on the boat otherwise you are going to get hurt or get in the way.”

Film technology has changed significantly since Willie first filmed the race in 1984. Back then tape was relatively new.

These days digital technology is used and sophisticated computer and satellite links enable him to relay footage to a helicopter overhead or back to a base.

Willie has collected three third placings with various crews over the years. But he says the highlight of his involvement in the great ocean race has been the thrill and achievement of finishing.

"There is a tremendous buzz the moment you get into the Derwent (River) and see the finish line,” he said.

"You make lifelong friendships out of the races because you go through such adverse weather at times. Whether you get there first or last it is an achievement.”