Princess Grace of Monaco's grandson will be competing against some of Australia's greatest sports stars in this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Prince Pierre Casiraghi, the seventh in line to the Monegasque throne, will be up against former cricket captain Michael Clarke and Wallabies player Kurtley Beale in the Boxing Day race.

The royal said he was looking forward to challenging himself in the 'tough' race which is considered to be one of the most gruelling in the world because of the 'unpredictable' conditions.

But he will have to beat ex-Roosters NRL star Anthony Minichiello who is sailing out at 1pm on board Perpetual Loyal along with TV presenter Erin Molan, Phil Waugh, Clarke and Beale.

'You know what you are going to start with, but not what you will finish up with,' Prince Casiraghi told the Daily Telegraph.
'I think it has always been a tough race because the conditions are so unpredictable.'
The royal, who will be joining Giovanni Soldini's Italian yacht Maserati, also revealed that he would be the first member of his family to visit Tasmania.

Thousands of spectators have flooded the docks of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to watch the star-studded fleet start the 71st edition of the race.
Cricket legend Michael Clarke revealed that he was worried about seasickness, but said it would be 'special' to be involved in the organised chaos at the start of the race.

The former captain, who played in nine Boxing Day Tests for Australia, said he would enjoy being on the water and not at the MCG.