SYDNEY, Australia — There have been plenty of 'firsts' in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney on Thursday.

With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile (1,160 kilometers) race. One of six international entrants out of the more than 100-strong fleet, Centennial 7's crew comprises sailors from the Philippine national team and the Philippines Navy.