maxi yachts sydney hobart 2023

• Skip to content
• Skip to footer

• Français

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.

Contact details

Giles Pearman

Virginie Chevailler

Why are sails in black? How can I livetrack yachts? Here's your Sydney to Hobart 2023 pocket guide

Topic: Sailing

The 630-nautical mile race has more than 100 yachts starting in the race to the island state of Tasmania. ( AP: Salty Dog/CYCA )

You may have missed the ceremonial cannon, but it's not too late to get up to speed with the sailing event of the year.

With poor weather forecast, there's a good chance the race will drag out for longer than expected.

So here's what you need to know on day two of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

How long will it go on for?

It's hard to say. Historically, these races have gone on for days.

The voyage measures 628 nautical miles, which is 1,163 kilometres away.

It is expected that the winner would be able to complete the race within 48 hours.

However, with an unfavourable weather forecast outlining threats of storm activity, erratic winds and possible hail that might not be the case.

Comanche, now known as Andoo Comanche, holds the record for completing the race in one day nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 second back in 2017 when skippered by Jim Cooney.

How can I track the boats online?

You can follow along each vessel's journey using this online tracker .

The yachts have GPS devices installed on them which will allow you to track their position in real-time.

You can also track the yachts via the  Marine Traffic website .

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

How many yachts participated this year?

Over 100 boats ranging from supermaxis – typically boats over 21 metres long – to smaller yachts are contending in the 78th Sydney to Hobart.

The smallest boats in the fleet are a pair of 30 footers while the largest are about 100 foot in length.

There are 21 two-handed crews (two-person team) and 10 international crews this year.

Here's the  full list of participants this year.

As of 12pm AEDT, there have been eight retirements: Arcadia, Currawong, Maritimo 52, Pacman, Sticky, Rum Rebellion, Georgia Express and line honours favourite SHK Scallywag with a broken bow sprit.

How much will the winner get?

There are no prize money for winners but it's not just all showmanship either.

Crews are competing for trophies across several categories , with the two main ones to keep an eye out for 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.

As of 12pm AEDT, Andoo Comanche and LawConnect were the two supermaxis most likely to take Line Honours.

Here are the main contenders for the Overall title.

• Alive (2018 winner, a Tasmanian boat)
• Andoo Comanche

Why are there sails in black?

Many yachts are sporting black carbon fibre sails in the race and that's intentional.

The carbon filaments which are glued together provide strength to sustain the long journey.

Black, on the other hand, protects the sails against the sun's harmful UV rays, making them much more durable. 

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

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart – entries close with 120 teams

Entries for the 78 th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race closed on Friday and the lineup of 120 boats is one of the most open and diverse fleets in years.

The 628nm classic which starts on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, 26 December, has attracted entries from around the globe and features ten international teams – representing New Zealand (3), Hong Kong (2), New Caledonia, USA, France, Germany and Ireland.

There are 110 Australian boats hailing from six states – NSW (64), QLD (20), VIC (16), TAS (7), SA (1) and WA (2). Boats range in size from the smallest – two diminutive 30-foot two-handed entries, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham’s Currawong 30 Currawong and Marc Michel and Logan Fraser’s Dehler 30 Niksen from New Zealand – all the way up to the four maxi 100-footers: Andoo Comanche, Law Connect, SHK Scallywag and Wild Thing 100 (formerly the Botin 80 Stefan Racing ). The John H Illingworth Challenge Cup for Line Honours victory will be hotly contested by these larger boats who have all featured in recent years.

The oldest boat in the fleet is Ena Ladd’s Colin Archer-designed double-ender Christina , built in 1932. Robert Williams is campaigning Sylph VI, built in 1960, which competed in the Sydney Hobart five times up until 1972 and is making its return to the Great Race after having circumnavigated the globe and spending the past five decades cruising. Four boats were built in the 1970s: the ubiquitous Victorian entry Bacardi , first all-female two-handed entrant in 2022,  Currawong , three-time Overall winner Love & War and Queensland’s  Son of a Son . A further 27 were launched in the last century.

21 boats will be competing two-handed –17.5% of the fleet. This number is testament to the growing interest and standard of competition in the division across Australia and around the world.

There are 96 boats competing under IRC for the prestigious Tattersall Cup and 24 under PHS Handicap.

With only two more races scheduled in the 2023/24 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore and the 2023 Australian Maxi Championship (1-5 December) ahead of Boxing Day, it will be a busy two months of training and fine-tuning of boats and crews to prepare for what is traditionally one of the most challenging yacht races in the world.

“The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart promises to deliver another enthralling spectacle for both sailing afficionados and general public alike. As one of the most watched sports over the Australian Summer and with worldwide interest and coverage of the race continuing to grow each year through the support of media and broadcast partners, the race is truly one of the highlights of the international sailing calendar.” CYCA Commodore Arthur Lane  

Visit the Rolex Sydney Hobart website to view the full fleet. 

CYCA Principal Sponsor

Cyca official sponsors, helly hansen, club marine, sydney brewery, lgt crestone, the luxury collection, winnings appliances, roads and maritime services, cyca youth sailing academy sponsors and supporters, helly hansen, forecasts.global, vibe hotels, network marine, sun foundation.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Has a Boat-Size Absence

Wild Oats XI, a crowd favorite that is one of the most successful yachts in the event’s history, will not compete this year pending repairs and rethinking.

By Kimball Livingston

When the hundred-foot Maxi yachts hit the starting line for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one absence will loom as a powerful presence.

There will be no Wild Oats XI, and Wild Oats XI is more than a boat.

Speculation is inevitable when a crowd favorite is missing. The report from the boat’s skipper, Mark Richards, is straightforward, but it won’t put an end to wondering. Of the boat and its owners, Richards said: “We had a structural failure in the bow and are having that addressed. The Oatley family are re-evaluating how to progress forward in our sport and they have just decided to have a break this year while they work it out.”

That resonates because in this race, Wild Oats XI has taken line honors (first boat to cross the finish line) nine times, set records three times and, beyond that, won the hearts of Australians.

“Kids 6, 7, 8 years old know the name,” Richards said.

No one dares use the past tense in speaking of Wild Oats XI, but questions arise when a boat that is synonymous with the Sydney Hobart, and that has been rush-repaired in the past to make a race, is absent.

Last year, the boat finished fourth at the Sydney Hobart after a sail ripped underway. It was in August of this year during a race in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands that the hull failure occurred.

In 2005, Bob Oatley commissioned the build of Wild Oats XI and set the standard — the boat swept all honors in its first Sydney Hobart race, only two weeks after launch. The boat would win line honors seven more times before Oatley’s death in 2016. His son Sandy, also passionate about sailing, carried on.

“I’d love to get one more crack,” Richards said. “I guess we’ll know more next year.”

Steve Quigley got his first crack as a crewman in 2012 and felt “daunted” joining the famously accomplished crew. Then, “We were first over the finish line, we set another course record, and we won our division on handicap,” he said. “I should have retired from racing then and there, but it wasn’t until I went walking around Hobart in my team shirt, with strangers asking for autographs, that I understood that Wild Oats XI had become the people’s boat.”

What next? Richards said, “The boat is still very capable.”

Quigley, a naval architect, was part of a team responsible for a bold 2015 redesign that bought the boat some time. In Quigley’s recollection, “I was the one in the meeting who had to tell Bob, ‘You may have the fastest Maxi in the world, but if you want to keep it that way, let’s chop it in half,’” he said.

Then they chopped it twice.

To respect the 100-foot maximum limit for the Sydney Hobart race, length was removed from the stern and added in a new bow section that accommodated bigger sails. Wild Oats XI.2 proved effective across the wind range, and success continued as the boat won line honors again in 2018.

Imagining a 2024 race, Quigley said, “Given the right combination of wind strength and direction, we could find a window to win, but the newer boats have a wider window.”

Design DNA in 2023 is different from 2005. Boats are now wider, yielding stability to carry taller masts and more sail. The maximum width of Wild Oats XI, 17 feet, is 45 percent less than LawConnect, winner of the most recent lead-up regatta series and yet not the newest or widest.

Sandy Oatley did not respond to a request for comment. More than one member of his crew spoke of the team as a “family,” so any decision is charged with emotion: Do you throw money at an unlikely Wild Oats XI.3, or would it satisfy if the boat slipped into the role of sentimental favorite and long shot?

The citizens of Hobart cheer for all, but it doesn’t hurt to arrive on Wild Oats XI. Andrew Henderson, part of the crew since 2005 and a 25-race veteran, said: “Anyone who can get a boat to Hobart deserves respect. The town offers the warmest reception in Australia. All of us understand how special that is.”

This year, however, after many years racing, he said, “I’m spending Christmas with the kids.”

• Advertise in AFLOAT

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart – entries close with 120 teams

Entries for the 78 th  Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race closed on Friday and the lineup of 120 boats is one of the most open and diverse fleets in years.

The 628nm classic which starts on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, 26 December, has attracted entries from around the globe and features ten international teams – representing New Zealand (3), Hong Kong (2), New Caledonia, USA, France, Germany and Ireland.

There are 110 Australian boats hailing from six states – NSW (64), QLD (20), VIC (16), TAS (7), SA (1) and WA (2).

Boats range in size from the smallest – two diminutive 30-foot two-handed entries, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham’s Currawong 30  Currawong  and Marc Michel and Logan Fraser’s Dehler 30  Niksen  from New Zealand – all the way up to the four maxi 100-footers:  Andoo Comanche, Law Connect, SHK Scallywag  and  Wild Thing 100  (formerly the Botin 80  Stefan Racing ). The John H Illingworth Challenge Cup for Line Honours victory will be hotly contested by these larger boats who have all featured in recent years.

The oldest boat in the fleet is Ena Ladd’s Colin Archer-designed double-ender  Christina , built in 1932. Robert Williams is campaigning  Sylph VI,  built in 1960, which competed in the Sydney Hobart five times up until 1972 and is making its return to the Great Race after having circumnavigated the globe and spending the past five decades cruising. Four boats were built in the 1970s: the ubiquitous Victorian entry  Bacardi , first all-female two-handed entrant in 2022,  Currawong , three-time Overall winner  Love & War  and Queensland’s  Son of a Son . A further 27 were launched in the last century.

21 boats will be competing two-handed –17.5% of the fleet. This number is testament to the growing interest and standard of competition in the division across Australia and around the world.

There are 96 boats competing under IRC for the prestigious Tattersall Cup and 24 under PHS Handicap.

With only two more races scheduled in the 2023/24 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore and the 2023 Australian Maxi Championship (1-5 December) ahead of Boxing Day, it will be a busy two months of training and fine-tuning of boats and crews to prepare for what is traditionally one of the most challenging yacht races in the world.

“The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart promises to deliver another enthralling spectacle for both sailing afficionados and general public alike. As one of the most watched sports over the Australian Summer and with worldwide interest and coverage of the race continuing to grow each year through the support of media and broadcast partners, the race is truly one of the highlights of the international sailing calendar.”  CYCA Commodore Arthur Lane

Visit the Rolex Sydney Hobart website to   view the full fleet.

RSHYR Media

• Latest edition of Afloat Magazine
• Subscribe to Afloat Magazine
• Merchandise
• Submit Boat For Sale listing
• Tips for Selling Your Boat
• Boat Reviews
• Marine Directory
• Classifieds
• International
• News & Events

SIGN UP Today

to our eNewsletter for your chance to WIN!

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

Maxis jockey for position at the start in Sydney Harbour. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex

The Rolex Sydney Hobart race is one of the most famous yacht races in the world hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania starting in Sydney, New South Wales, on Boxing Day and finishing in Hobart, Tasmania.

The Sydney Hobart is considered one of the big 600 milers and is a key offshore race in the calendar for any number of big boat campaigns, sitting alongside other races of a similar length including the Fastnet Race , The Caribbean 600 and the Middle Sea Race .

The inaugural edition of the 630 nautical mile race in 1945 had nine starters. John Illingworth’s Rani , built at Speers Point was the winner, taking six days, 14 hours and 22 minutes.

Records fell for many years in the early days of the race, but in 1975 Kialoa from the United States set a new course record that would stand for fully 21 years before being beaten by the German yacht Morning Glory in 1996, and then only by a dramatic 29 minutes.

The race record now stands at 1 day 9 hours 15 minutes and 24 seconds and was set by the 100ft super-maxi Comanche in 2017.

Comanche is one of only a handful of yachts to have taken line honours in the race on multiple occasions, having now crossed the finish line into Hobart first on three separate occasions.

But the boat most associated with race wins is another super-maxi, Wild Oats XI which has won the race a hugely impressive nine times, including a four race winning streak between 2004-2008.

The Sydney Hobart is renowned for tough weather, with the Bass Strait, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean immediately to its east often experiencing high winds and difficult seas.

Even though the race is held in the Australian summer, southerly buster storms often make the it cold, bumpy, and very challenging for the crew. It is typical for a considerable number of yachts to retire, often at Eden on the New South Wales south coast, the last sheltered harbour before Flinders Island.

The 1998 Sydney Hobart was marred by tragedy when, during an exceptionally strong storm (which had similar strength winds to a lower-category hurricane), five boats sank and six people died.

Of the 115 boats that started, only 44 made it to Hobart. As a result, the crew eligibility rules were tightened, requiring a higher minimum age and experience.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Race winner decided by 51 seconds

• December 27, 2023

Law Connect has won the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race line honours, after the closest finish in over 40 years, which ended in a gybe-for-gybe battle up the Derwent River…

Rolex Sydney Hobart: How to win the legendary race

• December 21, 2023

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race stands as a pinnacle of offshore yacht racing. Its reputation as the hardest of the classic offshore races is well deserved. Compared to the…

Sydney Hobart Race Hotels and accommodation

• February 28, 2023

We have selected some fabulous Sydney Hobart Race Hotels and take in the race atmosphere and a bit of the city life too. Sydney is a wonderful place to head…

Wins for Andoo Comanche and Celestial in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

• January 3, 2023

The 77th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race started on 26 December, its traditional Boxing Day slot and once again hundreds of thousands of people crowded the shores of Sydney Harbour,…

How to follow the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

• December 19, 2022

Sydney sailors are counting down the days – not until December 25, but the 26, for the much-anticipated Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. The blue riband offshore classic was cancelled for…

Brutal first night conditions sees a quarter of Rolex Sydney-Hobart fleet retire

• December 27, 2021

The Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race got off to a spectacular start on Boxing Day, 26 December, 2021, but tough conditions have seen the fleet greatly reduced after a day of racing.…

20 weird and wonderful facts about the famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

• December 24, 2021

10 Key facts from the 69 year history of the Sydney Hobart Race

Sydney-Hobart Race set for tricky Boxing Day start: how to follow

• December 22, 2021

Sydney sailors are counting down the days – not until December 25, but the 26, for the much-anticipated return of the famous Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race. The blue riband offshore classic…

Battling to Hobart: Memories of the Sydney Hobart

• April 19, 2021

Discovering Andrew Wilson has been the sort of exciting surprise that comes with editing a column like Great Seamanship. Andrew is a photographer working in Tasmania. He knows yacht and…

1998 Sydney Hobart: Extract from The Proving Ground by G Bruce Knecht

• April 20, 2020

Along with the 1979 Fastnet Race, the 1998 Sydney Hobart has become a byword for disaster at sea. Unless a writer was actually on board one of the boats and…

Black Jack 100: On board the light airs supermaxi chasing Sydney Hobart glory

• November 26, 2019

“I always told Peter you never want to buy a 100-footer and eventually he ignored me. But now we’re all pretty happy that we’re here!” The words of Mark Bradford,…

How to cope with stormy weather by top French sailor Loick Peyron

• August 17, 2017

Weather like this during the Sydney-Hobart is not a surprise for the guys who start the race. They know what to expect, and how rough it can become in the…

Aboard CQS – video tour of the 12-year-old supermaxi that became a cutting edge DSS foiler

• February 6, 2017

CQS (formerly the 90-footer Nicorette) is something of a ‘back to the future’ hybrid in the supermaxi world, sporting cutting-edge foil technology – untested on this scale of yacht to…

Third time lucky as Sydney Hobart Race record falls to supermaxi Perpetual Loyal

• December 27, 2016

A new record for Rolex Sydney Hobart Race record has been set by the supermaxi Perpetual Loyal. Owner Anthony Bell and his crew of 18 arrived in Hobart in the…

How to follow the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2016 – an easy spectator guide

• December 23, 2016

As the start of the famous Sydney Hobart draws close, we take a look at the best ways to keep up-to-date with the action… Race start time: 1pm AEST on Boxing…

Find out about the favourites for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2016

Some 90 yachts are entered for this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The 72nd edition of the 628-mile classic, which starts on Boxing Day, is one of the most important…

Stunning picture highlights from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2015

• January 4, 2016

Take a tour of supermaxi Comanche, a yacht so beamy she’s called ‘the aircraft carrier’

• December 26, 2015

“The design office were told specifically by me that if this boat wasn’t the worst rated boat in history they have failed,” Dr Jim Clark said about his new raceboat.…

Wild Oats XI retires with sail damage as brutal squalls hammer Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

Gale force southerly headwinds and rough seas have been pummelling the favourites for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2015 fleet and caused havoc among the leading super maxis. Eight times line…

Watch how Wild Oats XI was cut in half and rebuilt for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2015

• December 22, 2015

This video by Crosbie Lorimer shows Bob Oatley’s now legendary Australian supermaxi Wild Oats XI in action earlier this month after her modifications at McConaghy Boats. They were done in preparation…

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Christian Beck after winning Line Honours in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: CYCA | Salty Dingo

Caro powering through the waves 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race | CREDIT: ROLEX | Kurt Arrigo

Sydney Hobart – Under 100 Days to Race Day

With now only 99 days remaining until the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, this year’s field of competitors is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. A total of 75 yachts have already registered, ranging from seasoned campaigners to first-time entrants – all gearing up for the 628 nautical-mile challenge. 

Yachts will descend on Sydney Harbour from all states. At this stage:

• 40 are from New South Wales
• 11 from Victoria
• 8 from Tasmania
• 7 from Queensland
• 3 from South Australia, and
• 2 from Western Australia

As the countdown continues and entries remain open until Friday 25 October, more competitors are expected to join, eager to test themselves against the elements in one of the world’s most prestigious ocean races.

Maxis and Mini-Maxis

The race will once again see the fierce rivalry between some of the largest and fastest yachts in the world, with a strong fleet of Maxis and Mini-Maxis already confirmed. Among the headline entries are several 100-foot giants, each with their sights set on the coveted Line Honours title. These ocean racing powerhouses will be racing not just against the weather, but also against each other, as they push their boats to the limit in pursuit of the fastest time to Hobart.

Last year’s Line Honours winner,  LawConnect , is once again firmly focused on defending its title, while  Comanche  aims to reaffirm its dominance in the offshore fleet. Joining the biggest of the fleet is the luxury cruiser  Maritimo 100 , the recently-arrived Oyster 100 owned by Billy Barry-Cotter, which will be making its debut in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Alongside these giants are  URM Group ,  Moneypenny ,  No Limit ,  Whisper , and  Willow , forming a highly competitive lineup among the largest boats in this year’s race. With such a formidable field, the stage is set for an intense battle as each team vies for victory. Last year’s overall winner,  Alive , is yet to officially enter but is eagerly anticipating defending its Overall title.

International Entrants

The global appeal of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remains strong, with many international entrants finding their way to Sydney ahead of Boxing Day. Yachts from countries including the USA, New Zealand, France and Hong Kong have already registered, adding to the event’s reputation as one of the premier ocean races on the international calendar. These crews, many of whom have extensive offshore racing experience, are preparing to take on the unique challenges of Australia’s east coast and the treacherous conditions of the Bass Strait. Among the five international entrants is  Caro , returning for its third journey south. A new contender on the scene is  Bacchanal , a new, locally-built JPK 11.80 to be based in the United States, making its Rolex Sydney Hobart debut. Another JPK 11.80,  Cocody  from France, is currently sailing towards Sydney in preparation for the race. Owner Richard Fromentin, buoyed by  Cocody ’s success in the RORC Transatlantic Race—where it finished first in IRC One and second under IRC Overall—has decided it’s time to take on the challenge of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Double Handed Entrants

The growing popularity of Double Handed sailing is again reflected in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet, with a strong contingent taking on the race with only two crew members. Double Handed entrants are set to compete not only for the Overall race prize but also to demonstrate their endurance and sailing skills in this increasingly competitive and exciting division. Currently, there are 16 Double Handed entrants, just two fewer than in the 2023 race. Among this year’s entrants is  Fika , co-skippered by the mother-daughter team, Sophie and Annette Hesselmans. For this duo, their offshore journey does not stop in Hobart as this race doubles as a qualifier for the upcoming Melbourne Osaka Cup.

The Oldest of the Fleet

The oldest competing yacht of the fleet is  Katwinchar , the Double Handed entrant Skippered by Michael Spies. Built in 1904 by the Watney Brewery in England,  Katwinchar  was designed for the now-defunct Rater Rule and enjoyed considerable success sailing around England. 

The restored  Katwinchar  made a notable appearance in the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart race in 2019, where it won its division and led the race overall for a time. With its recent transition to Double Handed racing, the boat has been adapted to a more streamlined setup, including the removal of the mizzenmast and a switch to tiller steering. While the expectations are set high, they are focused on maximizing the boat’s performance and enjoying the challenge ahead. With 99 days to go, anticipation is steadily building for the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. From the powerful maxis to the intrepid double-handed entrants, and with strong inter-state and international representation, this year’s fleet is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. 

THE ENTRANTS

Facebook: @RolexSydneyHobart Instagram: @officialrolexsydneyhobart

• The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart starts in Sydney Harbour at 1300 hours AEDT on Thursday 26 December
• This is the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. The inaugural race was conducted in 1945 and has run every year since, apart from 2020, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• The race is 628 nautical miles
• Entries close Friday 25 October 2024

ALSO ON MYSAILING

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli bounce-back from adversity to secure place in the Louis Vuitton Cup final

2024 NSW Cherub Sprint Series – NoR available now

Beating the rain squalls at Rolex Swan Cup

Drama and delight on a thrilling day in the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-finals

Celtic Express

ATL Composites returns to METS in 2024

Lagoon EIGHTY 2: Your Oasis on the Water

New Tesoro T50 Speciale Stuns with Armani/Casa Collaboration

Andoo Team Australia Update

Teams are ready at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for the 69F Cup GP4 and for the 69F Eurosaf Euros

Sprinting across the Celtic Sea

NSW Cherub State Champs – Change of Schedule

Join Our Newsletter

• Name First Last
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Read all of the latest sailing news

Dinghy and Yacht Racing News

News from the offshore world

Cruising Stories from around the world

Boats & Gear

The latest boats and yachting gear

Watch everything sailing and boating

Latest Sailing News, Racing, Cruising, Boats, Gear and more

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

Niksen sets course for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart

Related Articles

• Boat Reviews
• Industry Directory
• Accessories

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024: A Legendary Challenge Awaits

As the 79th edition of the Sydney Hobart approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, an offshore racing enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the spectacle of high-level competition, the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race promises to deliver thrilling moments, testing the limits of both yachts and crews.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world’s most iconic and challenging offshore races, is gearing up for its 79th edition, set to begin in less than 100 days on Thursday, 26 December 2024 . This 628-nautical-mile event, known for its unforgiving conditions and competitive spirit, will once again capture the attention of sailors and spectators worldwide. Starting from Sydney Harbour and finishing in Hobart , Tasmania, this annual race represents the pinnacle of blue water sailing and is a testament to endurance, strategy, and seamanship.

The Route: A Grueling Offshore Odyssey

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is renowned not just for its length but for the treacherous nature of the journey. The race begins with a spectacular start on Sydney Harbour at 1300 hrs AEDT , where hundreds of boats jostle for position in front of a cheering crowd. From there, the fleet heads south, navigating the unpredictable conditions of the Bass Strait —a body of water known for its challenging weather, including strong winds, heavy seas, and rapidly changing conditions.

The final stretch down the east coast of Tasmania can be just as tricky, often offering complex tactical decisions as yachts negotiate the Derwent River, where the wind can die down or shift abruptly, impacting the final standings. The combination of distance, weather, and tactical nuances makes the Sydney Hobart race one of the most demanding in the world.

A Legendary Race with Global Prestige

First held in 1945, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has grown to become one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized sailing events. Each year, it draws competitors from around the globe, from professional sailors aboard cutting-edge maxis to passionate amateur crews in smaller vessels. The event has a storied history of drama, triumphs, and challenges, which has cemented its place as a must-do race for sailors seeking adventure and achievement.

Many yachts in the 2024 race will vie for the coveted Tattersall Cup , awarded to the overall winner on corrected time under the IRC rating system. Meanwhile, line honors, which go to the first yacht to cross the finish line, are another fiercely contested prize. The battle between supermaxis—60-foot-plus yachts designed for speed—always provides a thrilling spectacle.

The 2024 Fleet: A Diverse and Competitive Lineup

Entries for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have already opened, and sailors from around the world are eager to test their skills in this renowned event. The fleet will feature a diverse mix of yachts, from high-tech racing machines to seasoned offshore cruisers, each bringing their own strengths and strategies to the table. As of now, several prominent yachts have registered, and anticipation is building for a competitive race to Hobart.

Supermaxis like Comanche , Wild Oats XI , and Black Jack are expected to be among the top contenders for line honors, while a host of smaller and older boats, racing with experienced crews, will be in contention for overall victory on corrected time. These boats face the same course and conditions as the supermaxis, making for exciting and unpredictable results.

Key Challenges: Weather and Strategy

While the Sydney Hobart race has seen technological advancements in yacht design and navigation, the one constant challenge remains the weather. The Bass Strait is notorious for delivering fierce winds and rough seas, and many past editions of the race have been marked by storms that push yachts and crews to their limits. Strategic decisions—such as where to place the boat relative to wind shifts, when to change sails, and how to approach the unpredictable Derwent River in the race’s final stages—can make or break a campaign.

The 2024 edition is likely to be no different, with weather playing a pivotal role in determining both the speed of the race and the eventual winner. Sailors will be closely watching the forecasts, making real-time decisions on everything from sail selection to positioning.

A Spectacle for Spectators

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is not just a challenge for those on the water—it’s also a major event for spectators. The dramatic start on Sydney Harbour draws large crowds, both onshore and on the water, as hundreds of boats vie for the best positions to watch the action unfold. The sight of yachts racing out through the Sydney Heads , with spinnakers flying, is an unforgettable moment for those watching.

As the race progresses, many will follow the fleet’s progress through live tracking , as yachts make their way towards Hobart. For those in Hobart , the atmosphere is electric, as crowds gather at Constitution Dock to welcome the first boats in, often amid jubilant celebrations.

Looking Ahead: The 79th Edition and Beyond

As the 79th edition of the Sydney Hobart approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an offshore racing enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the spectacle of high-level competition, the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race promises to deliver thrilling moments, testing the limits of both yachts and crews.

In the face of challenges like tough weather, strategic gambles, and tight competition, this year’s race is sure to add another chapter to the legend of one of the world’s greatest offshore challenges. Will the current record-breaking times fall? Can a new boat or crew rise to the occasion and claim victory? Only time—and the Bass Strait—will tell.

Related Articles

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

More from Boating New Zealand

.tdi_208{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} .tdb_module_title{display:block;position:relative;margin:0;font-family:'roboto',sans-serif;font-size:21px;font-weight:400;line-height:1.2}.tdb_module_title a{transform:translatez(0);transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease;-webkit-transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease}.tdb_module_title .tdb-module-title-excl{font-family:'roboto',sans-serif;color:#fff;background-color:#ff0000;padding:4px 8px 2px;margin-right:8px;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:1;vertical-align:middle}.tdb_module_template_115338 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{text-align:left;font-family:var(--headings)important;font-size:30pximportant;line-height:1.2important;font-weight:600important;text-transform:capitalizeimportant;letter-spacing:.8pximportant}.tdb_module_template_115338 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0 a{color:#000000} opinion – luna rossa’s s..., .tdi_221{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} final race of the semi-finals:..., .tdi_234{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} youth america’s cup raci..., .tdi_247{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} challenger series racing sched..., .tdi_260{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} weather for thursday in barcel..., .tdi_273{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} navigating challenges in new z..., boating weekly.

Join Thousands of New Zealand Boating Enthusiasts! Exclusive deals, boat reviews, sports coverage, stories, and our best tips for NZ boaters ⏤ free and straight to your inbox.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_300{margin-top:10pximportant}} .tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{text-align:left}.tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0 a{color:#223c65}.tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{font-family:"helvetica neue",helvetica,arial,sans-serifimportant;font-size:18pximportant;line-height:1.2important;font-weight:500important} opinion – luna rossa’s semi-final victory: a flashy win or the beginning of a new dynasty, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_309{margin-top:10pximportant}} final race of the semi-finals: luna rossa sails into final after masterclass victory over american m..., @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_318{margin-top:10pximportant}} youth america’s cup racing delayed until tomorrow, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_327{margin-top:10pximportant}} challenger series racing schedule for today, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_336{margin-top:10pximportant}} weather for thursday in barcelona.

Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

COMING EVENTS

Catch all the action of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup , happening from 22 Aug to 27 Oct 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand .

The Outdoor Expo , 14 & 15 Sep 2024 at Canterbury Agricultural Park

NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo , 31 Aug & 1 Sep 2024 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton

NZ Millenium Cup , 1-4 Feb 2025 at Bay of Islands

Auckland Boat Show , 6-9 March 2025 at Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show , 15-18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

NEWS TIPS? Send your photos, videos, stories, and tip-offs to [email protected] or call us on 022-023-7507.

ADVENTURES AT SEA

@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_384{margin-top:10pximportant}} .tdb_module_template_127943 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{text-align:left}.tdb_module_template_127943 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0 a{color:#000000}.tdb_module_template_127943 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{font-family:"helvetica neue",helvetica,arial,sans-serifimportant;font-size:18pximportant;line-height:1.2important;font-weight:500important} when a series of unfortunate events force an unexpected u-turn, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_393{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey; that sinking feeling, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_402{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey: life lessons, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_411{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey; racing to whangamata, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_420{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey: a bridge too far.

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!