yacht races in australia 2023

Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2023 — how to watch and what to look out for

By James Dunlevie

By Chris Rowbottom

Topic: Sailing

SHK Scallywag is one of the four supermaxis competing in this year's Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. ( Facebook: Scallywag )

The sight of big yachts tearing around Sydney Harbour's blue water with crews scrambling over the deck at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart race, can be thrilling, if somewhat confusing, watching.

Where is the start line? Are those boats going to crash into each other? What happens if someone falls off?

Do crew members get any sleep during the race? What prizes are they racing for? What do you mean the first over the finish line is not considered the top prize?

Wait, what ... there is a boat called Imalizard?

So many questions!

Let's try and answer them.

Things can get a little hectic on the water at the start. ( AAP: Daniel Forster/Rolex )

Where do they start?

This year, the 78th running of the Sydney to Hobart, has a fleet of over 100 boats ranging from supermaxis (typically boats over 21 metres) to smaller yachts.

There are two starting 'lines' with the larger yachts on the northern line just north of Shark Island, and the smaller boats on the southern line.

Two rounding marks off Sydney Heads compensate for the distance between the lines, before the fleet heads to sea on the ocean voyage to Hobart, 628 nautical miles (1,163 kilometres) away.

When does it begin?

It's already started!

At 1pm AEDT on Boxing Day (December 26) the ceremonial cannon was fired, marking the start of the race.

The starting cannon may be small, but it is loud. ( Supplied: Rolex Sydney Hobart )

How can I watch it?

Race sponsor Rolex says the start will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live and on demand on the 7Plus app.

Internationally, the race will be available through YouTube on the CYCATV channel or via Rolex Sydney Hobart's Facebook page.

If you are in Sydney and on the water, spectators who wish to watch the start but not follow the fleet are advised to stick to the "western side of the harbour".

Spectators watch the start of the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. ( Getty Images: Jenny Evans )

Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".

According to organisers, the harbour will be "very crowded and traffic can be chaotic, so stay alert, follow the advice of race officials and remember to keep well clear of the exclusion zone between 12pm and 2pm".

Will there actually be some near misses?

The start is when things can get feisty, with crews trying to get their yachts into the best position before the cannon shot and on the run to get around Sydney Heads and out into the South Pacific Ocean.

This is when near misses and actual collisions can happen, with spicy language occasionally making it onto the live television broadcast thanks to cameras on the boats.

Members of the public watching from boats are told to stay in a "zone" away from race competitors, but that can still make for more potential near misses as the competitor boats weave across the water trying to find their best way into the start line at just the right time.

All in all it can look like chaos and often results in protests being lodged by crews who allege other teams of a wide range of infringements of race rules, across the entire course all the way to the finish.

Sometimes, if protested against, boats can perform "penalty turns" while at sea as punishment. Both Wild Oats XI and Comanche performed penalty turns last year following a scrape in Sydney Harbour.

Andoo Comanche during the start of the 2022 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. ( Getty Images: Corbis/Steve Christo )

Decision to make — follow the coast or head out to sea

Once out of the harbour, the fleet then begins to make its way down the east coast of Australia, and are faced with a decision — to either stay close to the coast or to go further into open water where the East Australia Current can carry them. The amount of wind dictates this decision.

After navigating the NSW South Coast, it is then into Bass Strait, where the worst conditions are generally found, with strong winds and big waves.

Simply surviving is the key here. Equipment failure and breakage ends many a team's race during this stretch.

Huntress aground on Christmas Beach, Cape Barren Island, off the Tasmanian coast, during the 2022 race. ( Supplied: Total Dive Solutions )

With Bass Strait successfully navigated, another choice needs to be made — sail close to the coast of Tasmania where they will find better water — or further out where winds are heavier.

Whichever the way, soon boats will be rounding "Tasman Light" and crossing Storm Bay. Then, they'll pass the Iron Pot at the mouth of the River Derwent . 

After a crawl up the often windless Derwent, boats will cross the finish line at Castray Esplanade before eventually settling in Hobart's Constitution Dock.

(Left) the John H Illingworth Challenge Cup for Line Honours winner, and (right), Tattersall Cup, the trophy for the Overall win, as determined by handicap. ( Rolex Sydney Hobart )

What are they racing for?

There is no prize money for the winners. 

Instead, crews race for trophies in a number of categories , the main events for casual observers being Line Honours (first across the line) and Overall (winner decided based on handicap).

The first yacht across the line wins the JH Illingworth Challenge Cup, while the Overall winner on handicap wins the Tattersalls Cup.

The Overall winner is considered a truer indication of sailing skill . The boats are smaller and lighter and therefore not as naturally fast. Getting them to Hobart is tougher. Handicaps (time adjustments) are calculated by a range of factors such as the weight and length of the boat.

The crew of Alive, which is competing this year. ( Facebook: Alive Yachting )

Most of the time, Overall honours are won by a smaller, slower boat, which outdoes its larger opposition when time is adjusted for size and other factors.

The reigning Line Honours victor is Andoo Comanche, which won in a time of 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, the boat's 4th line honours victory.

The reigning Overall winner is Celestial, which finished 2022's race in 2 days, 16 hours, and 15 minutes.

In 2017, LDV Comanche set a new line honours record, finishing first in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, beating Perpetual Loyal's record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds, set the previous year.

Comanche takes the lead over InfoTrack following the start of the Sydney to Hobart race in 2019. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )

Who can race?

The minimum age to compete in the race is 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

Each yacht generally carries between six and 24 crew members, the average across the fleet being 10 to 11.

The head of the crew is the skipper and often the skipper also owns the yacht. Other positions on board include the "helmsperson, navigator, tactician, trimmers and foredeck person, or for'ard hand", race organisers explain.

Two-hander boats (a category introduced in 2020) attempt the voyage with only two crew members.

The crew of Andoo Comanche celebrate their Line Honours win on December 28, 2022. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

After the 1998 race, in which six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired and 55 sailors had to be rescued by helicopter, at least 50 per cent of crew members in a team have to have completed a sea safety survival course.

All competitors must have completed an approved "Category 1" equivalent passage. One advertised course for Sydney to Hobart wannabe sailors offers five days of "continuously sailing" across a 500 nautical mile passage off the New South Wales coast, starting at $1,795 per person.

The start of the 1955 Sydney to Hobart, with Phalarope leading. ( Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia )

Conditions on board can be cramped and extreme, with very rough seas often battering yachts along the way. If a crew member goes over the side, that means teams have to circle back to collect them.

Winner of the 2022 Two-Handed Division Rupert Henry said for his two-person team, "we only manage around four hours max of sleep each".

"We know when each other needs to crash so we do it then."

As for people who easily get sea sick, perhaps this is not the hobby for you.

Celestial at sea on day four of the 2021 race. ( Supplied: Andrea Francolini )

How can I follow the boats online?

You can follow the race on an online tracker , which shows the positions of yachts as they move south, via a GPS device on each vessel. 

As the race goes on, you can see the course charted by crews — unless of course the boat's GPS device gets switched off, rendering it invisible to spectators and other competitors — an accusation that was levelled at Wild Oats XI in 2018 by the owner of Black Jack.

Yachts can also be tracked on the Marine Traffic website .

You can follow the fortunes of teams with the Sydney to Hobart yacht race tracker. ( rolexsydneyhobart.com )

Imalizard, Eye Candy and Millennium Falcon — what's in a name?

If you are the kind who chooses a favourite yacht based on the name, there are some good ones this year, including Imalizard, Disko Trooper, Millennium Falcon, Lenny, Mister Lucky, Pacman, Toecutter, Extasea, two yachts with Yeah Baby in their names, Chutzpah, Ciao Bella and Eye Candy.

Not among 2023's starters is Huntress, which came to grief last year after breaking a rudder, with the crew abandoning the vessel and it later drifting and  washing up on a remote Tasmanian beach , leading to a dispute over the salvage rights .

Imalizard, which is entered in the 2023 Sydney Hobart yacht race in the Two Handed category (two person team). ( Facebook: Imalizard )

Main contenders for the Overall title are Alive (2018 winner, a Tasmanian boat), Chutzpah, Celestial, Smuggler and URM, as well as supermaxis LawConnect, SHK Scallywag, Andoo Comanche and Wild Thing.

Barring disaster, the Line Honours winner will almost certainly be one of the four supermaxis.

This yacht has raced under several names, previously racing as Perpetual LOYAL, Investec LOYAL and InfoTrack.

In 2016, Perpetual LOYAL became the fastest-ever boat to complete the race, setting a new race record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. That record has since been broken by LDV Comanche in 2017. Investec LOYAL also sailed to victory in 2011.

Previous owner Anthony Bell declared after his 2016 victory that he would be selling the boat. It was picked up by tech entrepreneur Christian Beck, with the boat's name changed to InfoTrack.

Now called LawConnect, conditions haven't suited the heavier yacht in recent years. It is yet to win a Sydney to Hobart under its new name and ownership but is always among the leaders' pack. It recently defeated Comanche in the Big Boat Challenge, a traditional lead-up event to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Andoo Comanche

John Winning Junior took over from Jim Cooney as skipper of the newly named 'Andoo' Comanche last year, and had instant success, beating its rivals to a 4th Line Honours victory. In 2017, it defeated Wild Oats for Line Honours, setting a race record in the process, but only after a controversial protest. It also claimed Line Honours in 2019.

Andoo Comanche will enter as hot favourite for Line Honours this year after installing a brand new million-dollar sails package and winning the Cabbage Tree Island race – it did however finish second to LawConnect in this month's Big Boat Challenge .

SHK Scallywag

Scallywag looms as a wild card in this year's race, and on its day can challenge the likes of Comanche. Scallywag is lighter and narrower than Comanche, and is better suited to lighter wind conditions.

It has undergone modifications during the winter and will have a pair of Americas Cup sailors on board in Luke Payne and Luke Parkinson. Scallywag has never won a Line Honours victory.

Wild Thing 100

Wild Thing 100 will be the newest supermaxi to be launched when it makes its debut in this year's race.

Owner Grant Wharrington has modified Stefan Racing, a Botin 80, which he sailed to fourth over the line in 2021 and 6th last year. Under the extension, the yacht has been rebranded as Wild Thing 100. Wharrington took Line Honours in 2003 with his previous Wild Thing, but the following year, whilst leading the fleet to Hobart, she lost her canting keel and capsized in Bass Strait.

Some other Sydney to Hobart race facts:

Thirteen of the last 17 Line Honours victories have been claimed by Comanche or Wild Oats Wild Oats XI is not participating this year, the second time in three years the nine-time Line Honours winner has not raced. Skipper mark Richards said he'd be spending the time "relaxing somewhere with a beer in my hand" There are 21 two-handed crews (two-person team) competing The smallest boats in the fleet are a pair of 30-footers, Currawong and Niksen. Both are two-handers and Currawong is crewed by two women, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham The oldest boat to enter this year's race is Christina, built in 1932 There are 10 international crews competing in this year's event It is tradition that the skipper of the boat first in to Hobart jumps into the chilly water of the Derwent

LawConnect heads towards the finish line in the 2023 SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour in early December. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )

When does the race finish?

The Line Honours winner is likely to come in around 48 hours after the start, but this is very much dependent on the weather —  especially in the 22.2-kilometre final stretch up the Derwent River to the finish line.

This is when the wind can drop away and it becomes a crawl , with every trick in the book pulled out to make headway.

Yachts can finish at any time of the day or night.

In 2021, Black Jack crossed the line at 1:37am on December 29, followed by LawConnect at 4:11am and SHK Scallywag about 20 minutes after that.

In 2019, Comanche came in at a more reasonable time of 7:30am on December 28, with InfoTrack about 45 minutes later.

"It matters not whether it is in the wee hours of the morning or the middle of the day — a boisterous and enthusiastic crowd is on hand to clap and cheer the winning yacht to its berth," organisers say.

But the cheering was not just reserved for the first finishers.

In the 2022 race, the final yacht — Currawong — timed its finish impeccably, coming in just before midnight on December 31 , to be met with rousing applause from crowds at Hobart's wharf for New Year's Eve celebrations and an accompanying fireworks display.

Andoo Comanche's crew after winning Line Honours in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

Moneypenny finishes the 2022 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. Photo: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

2023 Sydney Gold Coast Opens

Entries have now opened for the 37th Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). Competitors will start the challenging 384NM offshore race on Sydney Harbour at 1pm (AEST) Saturday 29 July, before heading up the NSW coast to finish off Main Beach on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Since it first launched in 1986, the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race has continued to grow in prestige. It is a key race in Australia’s offshore calendar and has become an important test bed for boats and crews in the lead up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Early entrants to this year’s race include Geoffrey Hill’s Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes, Daniel Edwards’ M.A.T 1245 White Noise, Michael Smith’s Super40 Tempo and Richard Harris’ Cookson 50 Sticky. The first three TP52s entered have been Sebastian Bohm’s Smuggler, Andy Kearnan and Peter Wrigley’s KOA and Michael Spies’ Maritimo.

Early entrants in the two-handed division include Rupert Henry and Greg O’Shea on the Lombard 34 Mistral, and two J/99s – Shane Connelly and Andrew Downing on Rum Rebellion and Peter Franki and Drew Jones on Salt Shaker. The 2022 race featured 13 two-handed entries and the fleet is expected to have strong representation again this year.

The Overall Winner of the 2022 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race was Sean Langman’s Reichel/Pugh 69 Moneypenny. This year, Langman, Managing Director of race sponsor Noakes Group, will not be competing due to being in the UK to race to race in the Rolex Fastnet Race with his son Peter on his 30-foot Maluka.

The 2022 Line Honours victor, Andoo Comanche, is expected to return to lead a strong fleet of maxi and mini maxis teams.

For a list of all the 2023 entrants registered to date click here .

The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is the opening race of the 2023/24 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, which features six races, culminating in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The 384 nautical mile course takes the fleet from the start line in Sydney Harbour to the finish off Main Beach in Queensland.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is the Race Organiser and Southport Yacht Club is the Race Finishing Partner, while Noakes Group is the Race Sponsor.

This year, the CYCA is moving to a single rating system (IRC) for its offshore races, with this change set to take effect from the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and will apply to all races in the 2023/24 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore.

Official website www.goldcoast.cycaracing.com

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ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE: TENACITY CONQUERS ALL

Hobart, 31 December 2023 –  The 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will go down in history as a relentlessly demanding test of determination, as well as physical and mental resilience. The record will highlight a tooth and nail fight to the finish for Line Honours, and a Tasmanian boat joining the select few to have achieved two overall wins in the event’s near eight decades. Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Rolex has partnered the iconic offshore challenge since 2002.

For both the overall winner, Philip Turner’s 66 ft (20-metre) Alive , and the 100 ft (30.5 m) line honours victor, Christian Beck’s LawConnect, tactical skill and awareness was a major factor alongside sheer endurance. This was especially so in the River Derwent, on the final approach to Hobart, where the fates of many fatigued crews were finally decided. The unwavering tenacity of offshore sailors and their capacity  to summon their deepest reserves all the way to the finish, has been a common theme throughout Rolex’s near 70-year relationship with yachting. A fleet of 103 yachts had signed up for the renowned 628-nautical mile undertaking, ranging from fully professional maxi racers to more Corinthian crews, and including some 18 two-handed boats. Departing Sydney Harbour on 26 December under mainly sunny skies and accompanied by the usual throng of enthusiastic onlookers, an uncertain and unsettled weather outlook ramped up the already high stakes of this notorious course. The presence of low pressure over the New South Wales coast and the ominous threat of troughs was fair warning of what was to follow. Rapidly developing thunderstorms, lightning, intense rain squalls and winds erratic in strength and direction enveloped the fleet during the first 24 hours of racing. A south westerly then moved in, leaving the bulk of the yachts heading across Bass Strait and down the coast of Tasmania in upwind conditions that would turn very heavy, with a total of 16 crews forced to retire over the course of the race.

Line Honours Although four yachts were initially tipped as contenders, the battle to be first across the line in Hobart came down to a two-horse race between 100-footers LawConnect and Andoo Comanche , with LawConnect just managing to steal ahead in the final nerve-wracking seconds, after almost two full days of stalking their opponents.

“To win line honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a dream come true, especially against Comanche because it’s such a good boat, and in a circumstance where the lead changed so much. It was an incredibly exciting experience all around.”

LawConnect ’s triumph was in fact clinched by the narrowest of margins, with the two boats just 51 seconds apart on the finish line. The second closest finish in the race’s history. The drama had commenced early for the Juan Kouyoumdjian design, as Beck explained:

“We had a great start and were first at the first mark. But when we went to furl our big masthead zero, the furling line broke and so we couldn't wrap up this massive sail. And we're coming straight towards the zone where all the spectator boats were and we couldn't tack...”

The 21-strong crew, which included four Corinthian sailors, managed to avert disaster and recovered quickly to set up a veritable match race with the defending line honours champion Andoo Comanche . Entering the Derwent three miles behind Comanche, Beck looked set to add to his tally of three second-place finishes and perennial bridesmaid status. However the river is no place for the faint of heart and often rewards those that hold their nerve and take their chances. While Beck feared the race was lost, his afterguard of Tony Mutter and Chris Nicholson – two of the southern hemisphere’s finest and most experienced ocean racing sailors – had other ideas. Working with the equally talented American navigator, Chris Lewis, they reeled in Comanche, setting up an enthralling and memorable finish as the two colossi traded tacks, gybes and ultimately the lead. Beck was quick to admit that the win was very much down to the steely resolve of his capable crewmates, whose belief and motivation was inspirational for the rest of the crew:

“The determination was from Tony Mutter and Chris Nicholson, they never give up no matter how bad it gets. They are the ones that got us over the line.”

Overall Winner Overall winner Alive previously claimed the Tattersall Cup in 2018, and had come tantalising close in 2019. In a serendipitous turn of events, their success this year marks the 75th anniversary of the first Tasmanian boat to secure two wins in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. George Gibson’s Westward famously achieved consecutive victories in 1947 and 1948. Long-time skipper, Duncan Hine, was also part of the winning 2018 crew.

“Tasmanian boats have a long history in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, and to be one of those Tasmanian boats to have won, and now won it twice, is phenomenal.”

“Starting with a collection of people who have memories over the 10 or 15 races they’ve done, our navigator Adrienne Cahalan was on her 31st, you’ve got a lot of stored knowledge. Everyone in this race, all the guys could not have done any more, you didn’t even have to ask, everyone was on it.”

Gaining an all-important advantage over the main body, Alive swept towards the finish hard on the tail of the slightly bigger URM Group, with whom she had been sparring for two days. History has proved time and again that anything can happen on the Derwent , and it was arguably a close relationship with the fickle river that swung it for Alive , which represents the Derwent Sailing Squadron, by just 20 minutes on corrected time.

“In the end the Derwent is kind to people that know it, a little home advantage,” explained Hine, who also has a fair idea of the human qualities the race calls for: “Endurance, focus, and then endurance again.”

Like Cahalan, and Beck, and the hosts of sailors who return to complete this tour-de-force year after year despite the adversity and punishing roster, it seems the pain is already a distant memory and Hine is looking to future editions of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

“It’s a tough race and you can’t even really dream you could win it twice, so now I’m starting to think maybe we’ve got a third in us.” he admitted with a smile.

Former Australian yachtswoman of the year Adrienne Cahalan, navigator on Alive and now a three-time overall winner, arriving tired, cold and wet into Hobart’s Constitution Dock, did not underestimate the ingredients required for success.

“A lot has got to come together to win this race, that’s why it is so hard. The weather patterns have to be right, your equipment, your team. You get such a broad range of conditions, you have to know how hard to push or not push, and we pushed hard in this race through rough conditions.”

Having just beaten more than 100 other competitors to raise the coveted Tattersall Cup, Cahalan was clear on what an immense achievement this was.

“The Tattersall Cup is very hard to win. It took me 15 years to win it the first time. It's a really hard race because so much has to come together. So when you do win it, it does take a lot. It's something that everybody wants to do, but owners have spent years and years and never got over the line.”

Internationally renowned as one of the most arduous rites of passage in ocean sailing, a historic offshore challenge that has captivated professional and Corinthian sailors alike since 1945, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race represents a cornerstone of Rolex’s association with world-class yachting endeavours. On a course so challenging that finishing is considered an achievement in itself, the pursuit of excellence, precision, and team spirit shine through, echoing the Swiss watchmaker’s enduring ethos.

ROLEX AND YACHTING Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships  with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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2023 ORCV Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race Westcoaster – Wrap-up and Results

Main photo: Alien competing in the 2023 Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. Photo Michael Currie

Skippers, sailors, supporters and plenty of locals finally got to soak up some Tasmanian summer sun in the Willie Smith Race Village in Hobart on Sunday afternoon for the presentation of trophies for the 2023 Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race (the Westcoaster).

This year’s fleet had a quick but intense race to Hobart, battling wind gusts of up to 50 knots, five to six metre seas, with close rivalry on the race course, but the overall winner of the event was sailing itself, with the exhaustion, smiles, relief and enormous satisfaction etched on the faces of this close-knit group.   

Cyrus Allen, Commodore of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV), and David Schuller, Race Director, officiated proceedings and awarded the prizes.

Alex Toomey, skipper of Ryujin from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, accepted the Wrest Point Abel Tasman Trophy as line honours winner for monohulls from the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Anna Reynolds. 

Justin Brenan, skipper of Alien and twice-crowned the ORCV Offshore Champion, graciously accepted the prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy awarded to first place overall on corrected time on AMS handicap.

Brenan, from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, and his crew of Allison Wilson, Andrew Vincent, Glen Cowan, Benjamin Tyrrell, Katrina Hartman, Michael Noy and Paul Neilson now have the enviable record of four Westcoaster titles along with a win in the Melbourne to Hobart Eastcoaster Race in 2008.   

Brenan’s experienced crew includes long-term Westcoaster sailors with over 75 races between them.

Brenan credited the race win to his ‘evergreen yacht’, a Lidgard 36 design, his loyal, skilful and seasoned ocean racing crew, and his onshore support team.

The Edward Henty Perpetual Trophy was awarded to Ginan, skippered by Cameron McKenzie and Nigel Jones from the Mornington Yacht Club, for second place overall on AMS, with the team also winning on ORC handicap.

The double-handed entry, Maverick, co-skippered by Rod Smallman and Leeton Hulley, received the Batman Perpetual Trophy for third place overall on AMS.

Maverick had more trophies than hands by the end of the presentation with the team winning the City of Melbourne Perpetual Trophy for first on corrected time on performance handicap as well as the Double-Handed Perpetual Trophy.

Charles Meredith and the crew from the multihull, Peccadillo, sailing in their first Westcoaster, won the Port Phillip Sea Pilots Trophy for the first yacht to exit Port Phillip Heads and won line honours for the first multihull home, setting a new race record for multihulls along the way.

Michael Graham, skipper of Santana from Newcastle, New South Wales, received the Alan Collins “Rookie Skipper” prize which is selected by the Race Director for the best performing ‘first-time’ skipper.

Graham and his crew sailed from Newcastle in NSW – a distance greater than the Sydney to Hobart course – to get to the start line just in time for the race. They then sailed their Swan 43 safely and steadily to Hobart in the first Westcoaster for the boat and skipper and were a popular choice for the Rookie award. 

The Zeehan Trophy was awarded to Andrew Vincent and Katrina Hartman as co-navigators on Alien, the boat first on corrected time in the premier AMS division.

ORCV Commodore Allen also presented the Robin Hewitt trophy and the coveted yellow 10+ Westcoaster cap to Chris Webster, an award for sailors who have achieved the milestone of competing in ten Westcoaster races.

Commodore Allen noted how tough this year’s race was.

“Like many of you, in the deep of the night with the wind howling through the rig and seas tumbling over the deck, I wondered about ocean sailors who keep coming back year after year to race offshore.

“The answer I came to was that we do this for the adventure and the challenge”.

“But mostly we do this because of the camaraderie that develops between people racing in an offshore race.  

“Existing friendships grow stronger, and new friendships are forged.

“Each skipper and crew who made it to Hobart this year – including those who tactically withdrew for safety reasons – displayed seamanship and determination in line with the very best of Ocean Racing Club standards,” said Allen.  

The 2023 Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race was one of intensity and diversity, and of personal and team achievements.

This year saw the return of the first multihull in 35 years and continued representation in the double-handed division, a division the ORCV has been promoting for over 20 years.

The exhausted but relaxed award-winning co-skippers of Maverick talked with ORCV Media about the tough conditions experienced on the last night of the race.

“The last night was a cracker, an absolute blinder – it was the most frightening, and the most fun at the same time, that I have ever had.

“This year we had access to the BOM [Bureau of Meteorology] access models and they were unbelievably accurate which helped us go in the right spot, because there is no use being the best sailor if you aren’t in the right wind,” said Smallman.   

And on sailing down the West Coast of Tasmania double-handed?

“One word, its just awesome. When things are running smooth then it’s a lot less hectic on a two-handed boat.

“What makes us work is that we think the same,” said Smallman.

“When you are two-handed, you are solo sailing while the other person is having a sleep.

“You have to know every job on the boat. you’ve got to be a good steerer, you’ve got to be a good main trimmer, you’ve got to be a good bowman,” said Hulley, although both agreed they needed to do some work on their diesel mechanic skills.

Dark and Stormy, skippered by Tobias Swanson of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, welcomed three Italian sailors to his crew for this year’s race bringing skill and enthusiasm to the team – and an antipasto platter to the onboard pantry.

Tommaso Mattia Pretto is a recent graduate of Monash University with a Master of Environment and Sustainability degree and works at the Climateworks Centre in Victoria. He sailed this year’s race with his father Giolio Pretto and Paolo La Face who had flown to Australia in September from their home in Ancona, Marche, on the East Coast of Italy.

“Since I came to Australia a few years ago, I did a fair bit of ocean racing with ORCV. It’s really different sailing [to the Mediterranean].

“I would say it’s not as easy at all…the swell and the way that it pushes you is a completely different experience,” said Pretto.

And on sailing with his father?

“We were looking after each other all the time. I was the youngest onboard and he [Giulio] was the oldest.

“We’ve never had an experience like this before. I grew up sailing with my Dad since I was in the womb of my Mum…going to Croatia, so more cruising then, but having him here with me was just fantastic,” said Pretto.

The Dark and Stormy crew is a close crew with affection across the team on show.

“We experienced gusts of 50 knots of wind, and as they predicted, five to six metre seas, and it was heavy. We struggled to gybe and struggled to put up all the other sails…and we tried not to have any accidental gybes.

“I’m really proud of my crew…a couple of key crew, Rob [Newman], Bart [Archbold] and Tommaso (Pretto] did an amazing job last night …with high speed downhill runs down waves, we had a great time, we really enjoyed it,” said Swanson.

This year’s race also had a focus on environmental sustainability with crews provided advice on what to take onboard, on local endangered marine life such as the spotted handfish, and on ways to recycle used or damaged sails.

Melissa Warren, ORCV Committee member and on the bow on Jaffa, sailed her first Westcoaster and was beaming from ear to ear after the race.

“Honestly, I feel great. This was my first Hobart race, I’m so glad that I had a really supportive team to do it with.   

“I like to get the sport of sailing out there as much as possible, to put on lots of different events, talking to kids, and making sure we start from the ground up,” said Warren.

And Warren’s final words of encouragement for sailors on the edge, contemplating sailing in a Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race.

“Don’t be on the edge. You want to be involved. It’s [the Southern Ocean] one of the hardest seas to sail and is just a privilege,” said Warren. 

Next year’s event is shaping up to be another great race with interest growing from the multihull contingent in Europe and across the double-handed fleet.

In the words of Maverick skipper, Rod Smallman, “Give it a go!”

The race was run with the cooperation of the Derwent Sailing Squadron.

Race results here

Jane Austin ORCV media

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December 15, 2023

Maritimo racing ups the ante with two entries in the prestigious 2023 rolex sydney hobart..

Representing the Gold Coast and Queensland in the iconic 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, sailing yachts Maritimo Racing has entered two of its yachts, Maritimo 52(A TP 52) and Maritimo 54(A Schumacher 54). Maritimo only team with 2 entries in the event.

On Boxing Day, December 26, both yachts, Maritimo 52 & Maritimo 54 will line up on the start line of the epic blue water race, which is celebrating its 78th edition this year with a strong fleet of 113 yachts.

The 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most gruelling ocean race in the world, attracting sailors from around the world and the cream of Australian entries.

Maritimo is unique as the only luxury motor yacht builder in the world with a dedicated racing division and world championship off shore powerboat race team all in-house.

The 15.85-metre yacht is a meticulously refurbished, Reichel Pugh-designed TP52 – a champion racing yacht brought to Australia from Mexico.

The TP52 was originally designed for the Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu and is a lean, light-weight yacht with few creature comforts for crew. There are around 80 of these carbon fibre yachts racing in all parts of the world, and they are extremely competitive. There are 7 racing in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart.

The TPs have dominated Australian ocean racing including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in recent times and seem to enjoy a sweet spot under the IRC Handicap Rule that determines the overall winner of the Race.

Maritimo founder, Bill Barry-Cotter could see the untapped potential in the TP52 he located in Fiji which was then transported to Maritimo’s Coomera headquarters where the yacht underwent a thorough refit, including new sails and all navigation equipment to bring her up to the latest safety and racing standards. The TP52was withdrawn from the 2022 race due to damage suffered in the delivery sail down from the Gold Coast. 2023 sees Maritimo teams raring to compete.

Maritimo is a proudly-Australian manufacturer and exporter of premium, long-range motor yachts, sending 60 percent of its vessel to dealerships in New Zealand, North America, South East Asia and Europe

The Majority of Maritimos destined for NZ travel across the Tasman on their own hulls, which is testament to their superior offshore cruising capabilities.

In 2023, Maritimo celebrates 20 years as one of Australia’s most successful and prestigious Luxury Motor Yacht Manufacturers.

“We are extremely proud to be a Gold Coast manufacturer, with more than 330+ employees and motor yachts that are prized around the world,” states Tom.

“A testament to the skills and craftsmanship of our tradespeople, our two Maritimo sailing yachts will be flying the flag for the Gold Coast in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.” Michael Spies, veteran of 44 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is at the helm of Maritimo 52 and Bill Barry-Cotter’s brother, Kendal, is at the helm of Maritimo 54. Maritimo 54’s crew will have 119 Rolex Sydney Hobart Races chalked up.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking among such popular national spectator events as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open tennis and the Boxing Day cricket test. The Race start at 1pm Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour attracts thousands of pleasure craft and many thousands of spectators around the foreshores.

Following the Boxing Day start, you can track the progress of Maritimo 52 and Maritimo 54 on the official race tracker

Follow along on social via @Maritimo Racing in Instagram and Facebook

MARITiMO 52 – STATS & FACTS Length – 15.85m Beam – 4.34m Designer – Reichel Pugh USA (designers of Wild Oats IX ) Builder – Green Marine UK Hull Material – Carbon Fibre/Nomex Draft – 3.4m Total Sail Area – 410-sqm Total Displacement- 7800kg Hull Weight – 1500 kg Top Speed – 30 knots Average Daily Run – 320 nautical miles per day.

Crew Michael Spies – skipper -Gold Coast – 44 – Sydney Hobart Races Scott Kaufman New York – 16 – Sydney Hobart Races. Celebrating 50 years since he won his first Sydney Hobart. Doug Johnstone – Los.Angeles – 0 – Navigator Niel Sherring – Gold Coast – 3 Sydney Hobart Races Peter Britt – Foster NSW – 15 – Sydney Hobart Races Peter Jones – Brisbane – 25 – Sydney Hobart Races Nick Davis – Perth – ? Peter Vauciurgis – Coffs Harbour – ? Phil Armstrong – Hobart – Finn Rodowicz – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races Hugo Stone – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races Alex Marinelli – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races Matt Levings – Gold Coast – 0 -Sydney Hobart Races (1500m freestyle – 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Grace Levings – Gold Coast – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races

MARITiMO 54 – STATS & FACTS Length – 16.46m Beam – 4.20m Designer- Schumacher 54 Builder – Wesley Marine Hull Material – Fibre glass Draft – 2.8m Total Sail Area 140-sqm Total Displacement 10,500kg Hull Weight 6000 kg Top Speed 25 knots Average Daily Run – 250 nautical miles per day.

Crew Kendal Barry-Cotter – Skipper – Gold Coast – 11 – Sydney Hobart Races Mike Green – Sydney – 43 – Sydney Hobart Races Murray Spence – Whitsundays – Navigator – 22 – Sydney Hobart Races Mike Hughes – Palmyra – WA – 16 – Sydney Hobart Races Barrie McIndoe – Tasmania – 6 – Sydney Hobart Races Justin Wells – Tasmania – 8 – Sydney Hobart Races Maclean Paton – Sydney – 3 – Sydney Hobart Races Ian Vidal – Sydney – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races Frazer Read – Tasmania – 9 – Sydney Hobart Races Ross Mannering – 1 – Sydney Hobart Races Ben Lockyer – Brisbane – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races Jared Donnelly – Gold Coast – 0 – Sydney Hobart Races

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Maritimo Staff Spotlight – Chris Spriggens

Chris was part of the original five that got Maritimo underway back in 2003. “There was Bill Barry-Cotter, Gary Hewson, Phil Fraser, Martin Lewis, and myself when we built the plugs for the original 60.

September 2, 2024

Maritimo Product Partner Profile – Scania

Critical to the success of each model range, and each vessel, is the craft of selecting the right power plant size, output, and ultimately, brand. Maritimo’s move into offering the choice of Scania has lead to a powerful partnership.

MARITIMO APPOINTS NEW SYDNEY FACTORY DIRECT SALES CONSULTANT

Maritimo has welcomed a new factory direct sales consultant to its network, Josh Nash Director at Nash Marine Sales in picturesque Pittwater.

Maritimo Boating Destinations – Alaska

Alaska’s magic lies in its unspoiled raw beauty, its hidden fjords, towering glaciers, secluded coves and uninhabited islands, all teaming with an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for luxury motor yacht adventures.

M-Series Flybridge Motor Yachts

• Maritimo M75
• Maritimo M64
• Maritimo M60
• Maritimo M55
• Maritimo M51
• Maritimo M55 Black Edition

S-Series Sedan Motor Yachts

• Maritimo S75
• Maritimo S60
• Maritimo S55
• Maritimo S51

X-Series Sport Motor Yacht

Offshore series motor yacht.

• Maritimo M600
• Maritimo S600

        -->

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Australia's largest offshore sailing regatta Hamilton Island Race Week

Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta.

A carnival of events Hamilton Island Race Week

The week also includes a full and diverse calendar of onshore events, including lunches and dinners presented by renowned chefs, fashion, live music, wine tastings, food stalls and more.

Hamilton Island Yacht Club Hamilton Island Race Week

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Marina are the home of the regatta during this exciting week - perfect spots for watching the races, and coming together with other racegoers.

Press releases and highlights Media centre

Download all Hamilton Island’s press releases relating to the event, and learn more about specific event highlights.

Welcome to Hamilton Island Race Week 

17 - 24 august 2024.

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia’s favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival.  Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta.  Perfectly situated on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst Queensland's 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other: glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention. Sailing north for Hamilton Island Race Week? Why not register for the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race here .

Tourism and Events Queensland

Race Schedule

The Race Schedule for Hamilton Island Race Week 2024.

Notice Board

View the latest official race notices

Press Releases

Read all the latest news stories from the Hamilton Island Race Week. Find out what's happening both on and off the water, engaging stories on new entries and all the latest results.

Race Results

View the results from Hamilton Island Race Week 2024.

Race Week Daily Highlights

Can’t make it to the event? Catch all of the action here with our Race Week Daily Highlights.

Image gallery

Media Gallery

Take a look at some of the event highlights - from both on and off the water - as captured by our talented photographers.

View gallery images

What time is the first race on the first day?

It is common practise for a number of crews to fly in on the day of the first race. Unfortunately flights from most destinations do not arrive until midday or later. This will be too late to get onboard your boat for the first race. The start times on other days will vary, but will generally be between 1030hrs and 1130hrs.

Can I live aboard my yacht during Race Week?

Yes, and you'll have lots of company. Each year hundreds of yachties live aboard, and the marina is a lively place. There are showers and toilets ashore which you can use.

Can I enter more than one handicap class?

No. Yachts may enter for one class only.

Can I change handicap class after I have entered the regatta?

Yes, you can change to a different handicap class (provided your boat is eligible) at any time up to the day before the racing starts. Should you wish to change class, just send us an email to let us know.

I need to book a marina berth?

No, lodging your entry alerts us to the fact that you are coming, and gives us the dimensions of your boat. The marina staff works out a mooring plan to fit the boats into the marina, but there's always a degree of rafting involved. We do try to put all the relevant groups of boats together as much as possible - such as all the boats of a particular class (for example the Farr 40's, the Beneteau's, etc).

26 Aug 2024

39th Edition of Hamilton Island Race Week Comes to a Close

23 Aug 2024

Women at the top at Hamilton Island Race Week

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2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart - Entries close with 120 teams

Related Articles

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race

The Race to Auckland has STARTED...

Early bird entry discount enter before 11 october 2024, sydney to auckland ocean race 2025, the race of a lifetime.

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) together with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) invite competitors to participate in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, 11 October .

A dramatic and compelling ocean (and we mean ‘ocean’) racecourse has been shoe-horned into the start of next year’s busy Spring / Summer sailing season.

The race will start in Sydney Harbour on 11 October 2025 and finish in Auckland Harbour.  This challenging trans-Tasman 1,250nm Category 1 race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts, Two-Handed Yachts, superyachts and ocean racing multihulls. 

Follow the Fleet Live

I think it’s going to be a premier race, the longest (from Australia) and an international race. This is the first time anyone gets to do it, so there should be quite a bit of interest and a strong fleet Mark Griffith, DK46, The Old School Racing

The Alfreds have been so helpful. I had a call to see if I needed any help. You don’t get much of that these days. To have internal support makes you feel connected. Sibby Ilzhofer, Cookson 47, Dare Devil

RPAYC’s Robert McClelland explains the race’s communications have been simplified for the 1250 nautical mile race: “Satellite phones, AIS and trackers on each boat, no time-consuming skeds. This follows the Club’s successful Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race , which is run on the same basis.”

The other joy for competitors is that the Sydney to Auckland into New Zealand Ocean Race has been timed to allow prospective competitors to compete on the northern circuit in Queensland beforehand and to be back in Australia in time for the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart yacht races.

Alternatively, entrants can stay on in New Zealand and take advantage of the famous Coastal Classic held in late October. There is also the Bay of Islands Sailing Week in late January 2025 to consider and  Auckland to Noumea  – not to mention the scenic cruising opportunities.

The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is open to fully crewed racing and cruising yachts, two-handed yachts, superyachts and ocean-going multihulls. It is the longest race originating from Australia open to a variety of yacht classes.

Early Bird discount Entry Fee closes 11 October 2024.

Standard entries for the Category 1 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, to be held by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Association with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in New Zealand, close on 11 September 2025.

Royal Akarana Yacht Club – The Home of Blue Water Sailing

The Royal Akarana Yacht Club is one of New Zealand’s oldest yacht clubs and occupies a unique place in this country’s recreational sailing history.

Throughout its 127 years, it has been at the forefront of New Zealand yachting and particularly in its early years, had a huge influence on the way the sport developed in this country. Visit the club at https://rayc.co.nz/ 

Future event dates

• 2025 Race – October 11
• 2027 Race – October
• 2029 Race – October

Additional Races

• Coastal Classic Race
• Bay of Islands Sailing Week
• Auckland to Noumea
• New Caledonia GROUPAMA RACE
• Hamilton Island Race Week

Latest News

Hooligan smashing sydney to auckland-like conditions on pittwater.

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Chasing titles and records in Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025

Both the reigning line honours champion and overall winner of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race are to return for

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race – Presentation

Competitors and Club members came together to celebrate the 2023 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race at the RPAYC Clubhouse on Thursday 23 November for the

Share your experience

Competitor information, race documents, find or register as crew, auckland accomodation options, contact information.

• For more information on participating contact [email protected]
• For supporting sponsorship opportunities contact: [email protected]

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 11 October 2024: Early Bird entry discount closes
• 11 September 2025: Entries Close (Late fee applies)
• 1 October 2025: Sailing Instructions, Entries, Divisions & Provisional Ratings Published
• 4 October 2025: Rating Deadline
• 9 October 2025: Skippers Briefing and Crew Cocktail Party (6:00pm RPAYC)
• 11 October 2025: Race Start Sydney Harbour

MEDIA RELEASES

• The Celebration Begins
• Sydney to Auckland make for the Corner
• And we are off!
• Crews countdown to the start of the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race
• Hong Kong entry in race for historic Lipton Cup
• Talk turns to Weather
• Serious Business
• Mayfair first interstate entry for the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race
• Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, scheduled for October 2023
• First entries received for the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race

Official Race Merchandise available through Official Partner Quality Marine Clothing

20% discount on 2023 Sydney to Auckland Merchandise

Further Information

The race has been classified by the Organising Authority an Australian Sailing Special Regulations category 1 race with the addition of the OAs own additional requirements as listed in the Notice of Race. 

This means that an entrant will need to have a Cat 1 Audit done and additionally have an Australian Sailing National Certified Auditor sign off the O.A.’s additional items.

• Download at Category 1 Audit requirements form here (from 1 July, 2025)
• Stability Declaration Form
• Communication Equipment Form
• Sat Phone Declaration
• Hull Construction World Sailing Structural Plan Review requirement information
• Australian Sailing Special Regulations Information

RPAYC : Berths for competing boats may be available at RPAYC for a discounted rate in the build-up to the Race. For more details on berthing at the RPAYC and alternative berthing in Pittwater and Sydney, please contact the RPAYC. [email protected]

AUCKLAND : Berthing will be provided on arrival in Auckland at Jellicoe Harbour at the Wynyard berths.

Berths have access to power (63 and/or 125 amp 3-phase) and water, plug-in internet and black water pump out.

These are med-style mooring berths suiting vessels 30 – 50m in length, alongside berthage depending on size and number of vessels is also available.

The Race Committee will direct boats to their temporary berth. Boats planning to stay on in Auckland or New Zealand should contact Via Duct Marine to make arrangements. It is a condition of Entry that boats must moor in accordance with the directions of the Via Duct Marina Manager. 

Australian Registration

Guide to registering your ship on the Australian General Shipping Register

Under the Shipping Registration Act 1981 (the Act), all Australian owned or operated ships, 24 metres and over in tonnage length, and capable of navigating the high seas, must be registered. Any ship sailing to a foreign port must also be registered, regardless of size. All other craft, including Government ships, fishing and pleasure craft need not be registered, but may be if the owners desire.

https://www.amsa.gov.au/guide-registering-your-ship-australian-general-shipping-register  

Apply for a temporary pass for yacht races, rallies, and sailing overseas

https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/ship-registration/registration-yachts-cruisers-and-fishing-boats/apply-temporary

Custom requirements are applicable to all crew and boats. RPAYC has arranged for the Australian Boarder Force to conduct Custom Clearances at CYCA and MHYC.

New Zealand Customs

Competitors are reminded that it is their sole responsibility to ensure that they clear out through customs in Australia and clear customs into New Zealand on arrival. NewZealand Entry and Visa requirements may be applicable to you. NewZealand Custom Officers will meet Competiors on arrival to Auckland on berthing at the Auckland ViaDuct Berths.

For more information on the requirements for entering New Zealand by Yacht and for the New Zealand Customs Service, Yacht Pack see:  https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/yachts/

Australian Border Force

View Departure & Entry requirements here: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea

A crew register is available for the race hosted by MySailTeam .

• Follow this link to find crew for your boat and or register as crew. 

Pack & Send in Mona Vale

They will meet you at the RPAYC on Thursday 5th October from 1500hrs – before the skippers briefing and collect bags and gear.  Packing crew bags between you is recommended. Sails and heavy bulky gear we suggest chatting to them about the costs ahead of Thursday.

Pricing of a bag/box depends on its destination and on its volume or weight.

Approximate estimations heading to New Zealand.

Box Dimension | Weight | Cost of Freight 46 x43 x 64 CMS 25kgs $300 46 x 43 x 50 CMS 20kgs $250 46 x 43 x 35 CMS 15kgs $205 Pack & Send can tailormade box sizes to any size according to customer preferences.

Safety and Survival at Sea & other Crew qualifications

Several companies offer Crew Training certification:

Ocean Boardroom

Pacific Sailing School

Marine Safety Works

Several companies can lease equipment to yacht owners as required for the race, e.g. Satelight phones, Liferafts, PLBs.

The Place to Buy, Hire or Rent a Satellite Phone – EPIRBhire Thuraya Iridium Inmarsat

Great Circle Lift Rafts

Great Circle Life Rafts Hire

Sail Exchange

https://www.sailexchange.com.au/personal-safety-equipment/rental-gear/life-rafts-rental.html

Bettina Crafoord | Mobile – 0418 866 333

www.sailexchange.com

The race of a lifetime will draw the attention of an international and nationwide audience. 

To be part of this event contact the Organising Authority at [email protected] for a prospectus. 

Share the event!

Crewing opportunites, event enquiry.

Contact the Organisation Authority Here and also be added to the 2025 Expression of Interest group

Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race 2024

The yachts - noakes sydney gold coast yacht race.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 100 DayS to Race Day

• 17 Sep, 2024 11:11:00 AM

The countdown is officially on! In just 100 days, the starting cannon will signal the beginning of the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. On December 26th, the world’s top sailors will once again converge in Sydney Harbour, ready to embark on one of the most iconic and challenging ocean races.

With a reputation for challenging weather and the notorious conditions of the Bass Strait, the race is a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. Yachts of all sizes and crews from around the globe will push their limits over the 628-nautical-mile course, heading south to Tasmania’s historic capital.

This year’s race is expected to draw fierce competition, with some of the world’s fastest and most advanced yachts entering the lineup. Whether racing for Line Honours or the prestigious Tattersall Cup, crews will have to be prepared for anything as they navigate the elements in the “Great Race South.”

As we hit the 100-day mark, excitement is building, and the anticipation for this legendary event is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!

• Visit our Facebook page
• Visit our Instagram profile
• Visit our Twitter feed
• Visit our YouTube channel

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event views navigation, september 2024, ysa presentation.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to invite you to attend the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy Presentation Dinner, celebrating YSA achievements for 2023 and 2024. The evening will include a special guest speaker and buffet dinner by The Boathouse Group. Dress code: Smart Casual Please RSVP by Monday 2 September 2024 to secure […]

CYCA AC Lounge – Races 5 to 8

The CYCA invites Members to the Rani Room, to the America’s Cup Lounge. Come together to support our Australian team as they compete in the UniCredit Youth America's Cup, showcasing the next generation of sailing talent. Join fellow Members to watch the live action and immerse yourself in the excitement of the UniCredit Youth America’s […]

ACSBWPS | Flinders Islet Race

The Flinders Islet Race is an 88nm race.  The race starts on a Saturday morning near Point Piper on Sydney Harbour.  The fleet proceeds out Sydney Heads and tracks south down the coast to round Flinders Islet, approximately 1nm east off Port Kembla Harbour, Wollongong, before returning to finish in Sydney Harbour.

Club Marine Short Ocean Pointscore | 55th Rubber Kellaway Plate

The Club Marine Short Ocean Pointscore will commence on 21 September 2024.  This will be a 10 race series with the best 6 to count. All races will be sailed off Sydney Heads. Whilst there is no one overall winner for the Short Ocean Pointscore, overall and season pointscore trophies will be awarded in both […]

Live Music | Karim

Looking for live entertainment? Join us at the club for some fresh music from local singer, songwriter and composer, Karim.

CYCA Trivia 2024

Eat, drink and… think! Trivia is back at the CYCA Join us 1900hrs Wednesday (fortnightly) for some trivia fun hosted by our regular Trivia Master Luke Webb. There are prizes to be won as always so get your friends, family or crew together and enjoy a great night of trivia. Entry is free and open to […]

The Making Waves Regatta

Bring your team, clients, family or friends together for an incredible day of yacht racing on Sydney Harbour while supporting young Australians living with disability or experiencing disadvantage. INCLUSIONS Sail as individuals and/or in teams of 8-12 guests Race on Sydney Harbour aboard a fully crewed 38-60ft yacht Enjoy lunch before the race Join the […]

Club Marine Ocean Pointscore | Botany Bay Race

The Club Marine Ocean Pointscore will commence on Saturday 14 September 2024. The series consists of eight races including trips to each of Lion Island, Botany Bay and Port Hacking and Day One of the MHYC SSORC. This series is perfect for the yachtsperson who wants to do various ocean races without the pressure of having […]

Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series | Race 1 (MHYC)

The Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series returns in 2024/25, consisting of five races. One race will be hosted by each of the CYCA, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS), Manly Yacht Club (MYC) and Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association (RANSA), and Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC). Crews will be able to compete in full female crew […]

October 2024

Noakes 7s series | race 1.

An invitation is extended to CYCA Members and their friends to enter the 2024 Noakes 7s Series. The series will be held on Tuesday evenings with up to four sprint windward/leeward races each evening using the Club’s fleet of Elliott 7m keelboats. Racing will commence at 1755hrs in the vicinity of Rushcutters Bay and Sydney […]

Wednesday Twilight Series | Race 1

The popular Income Asset Management Wednesday Twilight Series will recommence on 9 October 2024, and runs through to 19 March 2025. There will be a five week break from 5 December whilst the CYCA Trophy and Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race are being conducted. The races are non-spinnaker and start at 1800 hours every week […]

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I Loved Tudor’s Sailing Watch Even More While Aboard an Actual Racing Yacht

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The weather report in Barcelona wasn’t looking particularly promising last month as I boarded a vessel on the Mediterranean. Leaving the Spanish coast behind me, storm clouds gathered overhead as the Swiss and French teams geared up to face off in the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. Then again, I was reminded, a bit of wind was a welcome sensation—without it, this regatta couldn’t get underway.

If you’ve never been buzzed by an AC75, the class of racing yacht used during the current America’s Cup , it can be difficult to imagine the sensation. I no longer had to imagine as the Alinghi Red Bull team’s AC75 reached its top speed of 50 knots (58 mph) and seemed to be nearly levitating as it lifted out of the water. And if it’s flying in anything resembling your general direction, this can be quite unnerving.

Even if you’re not a sailor, you’re likely familiar with America’s Cup anyway because of how frequently it intersects with the watch world. Tudor , Omega , and Panerai have all gotten in on the action, the logos of their storied brands featured prominently on mainsheets attached to each vessel’s 26.5-meter mast. For each edition of the Cup in which one of these maisons is sponsoring a team, said company will often debut a special watch, sometimes with a dedicated sailing complication such as a regatta timer. Two of the most compelling of these watches were introduced just last year: Tudor’s Pelagos FXD and FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition . As I discovered earlier this month, they become even more compelling aboard the actual yacht they’re inspired by.

The racing yacht wasn't the only thing that made me feel like a member of team Alinghi that day. I also got a chance to wear the FXD from Tudor's Pelagos line. The Pelagos collection comprises the brand's most professional diving watch, complete with heavy-duty specs, some military influence, and perhaps a bit more character than the brand’s flagship Black Bay collection. Introduced in 2012, the Pelagos line has seen continuous improvement, culminating in the recent “ FXD .” (The “FXD” is for “fixed,” a design with military provenance that secures a strap to the wrist without possibility of spring bar failure.) The black-dialed FXD immediately stole my heart upon its release late in 2023, when I dove with it in Florida.

I wasn’t the only one wearing this purpose-made FXD. The entire Alinghi Red Bull racing team—from team owner to engineer—was kitted out with them. For me, it’s a cool watch; for the sailing team, it’s essential gear. Timing is everything out on the open water. “We use a watch [the Pelagos FXD] that’s in complete sync with what we do here,” says Jaume Triay, a young engineer on the Alinghi Red Bull team who’s spent the past two years living in Barcelona to prepare for the competition. “It’s a low-weight, high-performance watch, and it’s made out of the same materials [as the AC75]; I think there’s a nice synergy.”

Everything about the Alinghi FXD is made with yacht racing in mind. The watch is made from carbon fiber to mirror the carbon-hulled AC75 yachts, with matte blue-purple dials to match the Alinghi Red Bull livery. The numbers on the bezel are arranged in the reverse orientation from those on a dive watch. Why? On a yacht, one needs to quickly calculate countdowns, which is why the numbers go from 60-0 in a counterclockwise direction, rather than the more common 0-60. I had never spent much time with either of the new FXD watches before, but had the opportunity to wear the time-only version during my time in Barcelona for the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. I’m officially a fan.

The dial is a classic Tudor affair: Done up in matte Alinghi Red Bull blue, it features a snowflake handset and matching white indices, all of which are nicely lumed with plenty of Super-LumiNova. (The indices, hands, and all bezel hashmarks glow ice blue in low light.) A red second hand matches up with red “Pelagos” text—no doubt in a reference to vintage Rolex models and in keeping with other Pelagos watches—and the rehaut, which contains the outer minute track, features the words “ALINGHI RED BULL RACING” in the upper quadrant.

“Timing is important in many aspects [of what the team does],” Triay says. “It’s important in planning, such as how much time we need to train before competing, and how much time we have to design the boat. But then also, you can think about maneuvers: Are we going to do a slow, nicely controlled maneuver, or a sharp turn executed as quickly as possible? What is best, and how do you find replicable timing in order to analyze different strategies?”

Indeed, timing was everything as we sailed out into the open ocean outside Barcelona aboard the yacht in order to watch Alinghi compete against the French team. The Swiss needed to win this particular race, lest it be forced to win three in a row in the double-round robin of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Section Series—or face elimination. I was eager to try aligning my bezel to properly time the race countdown as announced aboard the ship’s television, where the race was being broadcast live.

Stepping out onto the deck in the rain (we picked a poor day for sailing) Alinghi’s AC75 was visible in the distance, tacking hard in the driving wind and water. Its complement of ultra-skilled sailors, however, proved their competence and seamanship, crossing the starting line just as the countdown ended and gaining a significant start on the French team. Roughly 20 minutes of hard sailing later, up and down a course established by remote-controlled buoys to align with the direction of the wind, the Swiss team captured its much-needed victory.

After the win, high-fives were swapped, congratulations were offered, audible sighs of relief were exhaled. As we sailed back into harbor, we passed the AC75 furling its sails, yelling our collective “mazel tov” at the team and chase boat crews. I glanced down at the FXD and thought back to my childhood summer camp experience and the activity I most enjoyed: Sailing small Sunfish dinghies on Plunkett Reservoir. I haven’t sailed in over 20 years, but the thought suddenly crossed my mind: Maybe it’s time to sail again—Pelagos fixed firmly on wrist.

• Motoring News

Toyota to race Supercars from 2026

The motorsport scene in Australia is set to be turbocharged by a massive commitment by the nation’s top car maker.

Huge US pick-up truck confirmed for sale

New Chinese EV takes on Australia

Bathurst 1000 to change Supercars forever

Toyota is going from the bush to the race track with an ambitious plan to take on the Supercars championship in Australia from 2026.

And the brand says it “will win” the iconic Bathurst 1000 as part of a multi-million dollar assault to take on the top tier of local motorsport.

But instead of mud-covered LandCruisers or sensible fuel-sipping Camrys the top-selling brand will unleash a V8-powered version of the two-door Supra sports car on race tracks such as Mount Panorama as it looks to broaden its buyer base and leverage the performance-focused Gazoo Racing sub-brand.

”Toyota will compete in the pinnacle of Australian motorsport – Supercars,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations.

Toyota has inked a deal with the famed Walkinshaw Andretti United, that formerly ran an at-times dominant Holden Racing Team and has McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown and US Indycar icon Michael Andretti as part owners.

“We have been toying with the idea of competing in Supercars for more than 20 years and now with the right car, the right team and a very strong partnership with the Repco Supercars Championship, the time is definitely right.”

And the brand that’s built its reputation on off-roaders such as the LandCruiser, Prado and HiLux – as well as city cars such as the Corolla and Camry – says it will stand on the top stop of the podium at Mount Panorama.

“I promise you this. We don’t give up, we don’t stop, we keep going and we will win this race eventually, make no mistake about it,” said Hanley.

The addition of Toyota marks the latest time a manufacturer has tried to break the Ford/General Motors (through Holden) local racing duopoly.

More Coverage

In 2013 Mercedes-Benz and Nissan muscled in on the Ford/Holden party followed in 2014 by Volvo.

Each was short-lived and despite some success never seriously challenged the top two brands.

But Supercars CEO Shane Howard says “the timing is right” for a new entrant, particularly one with the factory backing of a brand as big as Toyota.

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This enormous American ute is locked in for a place in Australian showrooms, giving drivers a massive new option.

One of China’s top EV start-ups is set to enter the Australian market with a new SUV.

A massive change is coming to Supercars that will shake up the much loved motor racing series and its iconic Bathurst 1000 forever.

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