1991 sydney to hobart yacht race

All Down Under

Australia – About the country, culture, facts & statistics

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Winners 1980 to 1989

• In australian-race-boat
• Posted on December 26, 2022 December 26, 2022
• Leave a Comment on Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Winners 1980 to 1989

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event, which was first sailed in 1945. The race takes place over 5 days and attracts over 100 yachts of all types and sizes.

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in December is an icon of Australia’s summer sport. The course covers a distance of 628 nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to the East coast of Australia, Bass Strait, the Tasmanian east coast, Storm Bay, Derwent River and finally Battery Point in Hobart, Tasmania.

Line Honours goes to the first yacht to cross the finishing line. The Overall Winner is determined by each yacht’s finish time adjusted by several factors. As a result, the fastest boat is often not the Overall Winner.

Overall Winner = ow     Line Honour = lh Time is shown as   DD:HH:MM:SS     Days:Hours:Minutes (and Seconds where available)

You may also like these posts

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Winners 1945 to 1959

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Winners 1970 to 1979

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Winners 2000 to 2016

Write a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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

History & Archives

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) was formed in 1944 and, despite its name, quickly became the leading exponent of ocean racing in Australia, at that time a little-known sport both here and elsewhere.

The CYCA began when some keen sailors started meeting informally in a photographic studio in Sydney. They soon acquired a boatshed in Rushcutters Bay and the rest, as they say, is history.

In 1945 a planned cruise to Hobart quickly turned into a race and the famous Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was born.

The race captured the imagination of the Australian public and it soon developed into an international yachting classic, attracting competitors from around the world.

With the CYCA conducting ocean races such as the Sydney Hobart Race since 1944, it has given the Club an expertise in race organisation and sea safety which is internationally acclaimed and widely emulated, some techniques being adapted world-wide following CYCA development.

These days, the CYCA is the ‘Club of choice’ for its more than 3,100 members, sailors and non-sailors, who enjoy the world-class facilities, the extensive sailing calendar and the social programme of member’s nights, prize giving and just relaxing in the Sydney Hobart Bar after a hard-fought race.

The full Club history can be found in the book “Ratbags to Respectability” which can be purchased online or at the CYCA reception.

CYCA has made every effort to locate the owners of material published on its websites that may be subject to copyright or moral rights in Australia.

Should anyone become aware that material has been used without permission or appropriate attribution, please contact [email protected] .

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.

Westcoaster History & Results

The 435 nautical mile blue-water classic Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race was the brainchild of Stan Gibson from Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club in Melbourne and Dr Joe Cannon at Derwent Sailing Squadron in Hobart. It was intended as a challenging alternative for Victorian and South Australian sailors who wanted to be in Hobart for the celebrations but did not want the logistical hassle of getting the yacht up to Sydney to compete in the Sydney to Hobart.

The fearsome reputation of the west coast of Tasmania ensured that the proposed new race was viewed with scepticism by the local yachting community. However, Stan Gibson’s analysis of the summer weather patterns along the west coast overcame the critics and Donald Trescowthick (subsequently Sir Donald KBE) sponsored the event and donated the Heemskerk Perpetual trophy.

The inaugural 1972 race attracted 15 entries and support for the race increased steadily over the next 20 years with typical fleet sizes of 20 – 30 boats throughout the 1980’s. The fleet record of 65 yachts was reached in 1996.

By today’s standards, the race was a “big budget affair” in its early years with financial support from both the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments and commercial sponsors - and this was reflected on trophy night. In additional to the Perpetual trophies, still awarded today, in the 1970’s prizes included gold and silver ingots and sovereigns. In 1976 these were upgraded to include “gold plated solid silver ingots hand painted by Pro Hart” for each major place getter. The three main ingots were approximately the same length as a house brick and the painting was described by Pro Hart as the most detailed work he had ever done. The NOR at the time valued these trophies at $25,000 - including $1,500 for each of the 4 Pro Hart paintings. They got that wrong!

Now in its 52nd year, the race has a proven and enviable safety record. More than 950 yachts and some 7500 crew have competed in the event without major incident. There is no doubt that the weather can be difficult and there are numerous accounts in the race history strong 50 – 60 knot (100 kph) winds for periods of 3 or 4 hours associated with passing fronts. In these conditions its not easy and the Westcoaster safety record is a tribute to the careful preparation of the crews and to the careful race management and training programs put in place by the ORCV.

In most years, race retirements are limited to only 1 or 2 boats but the record shows 4 years when one third or more of the fleet have not been able to finish the race – and this highlights a different aspect to the challenge. In both 1981 when 12 of the 30 starters retired and 2004 when only 4 boats finished, the problem was lack of wind. In the third year, 1998, eight of the 25 entrants elected not to start, doubtless influenced by the difficulties experienced by the Sydney Hobart Fleet that year but 15 of the 17 starters successfully finished the race.  2019 saw all the fleet struggling to find wind and arriving into Hobart a day later than expected.   In 2021, 77% of the fleet dared to follow the wind, taking the longer route West of King Island with Matt Fahey on Faster Forward brave enough to dream and believe "West was Best" and crowned the overall winner.  

Then came 1999, undoubtedly the most challenging race, with Nigel Jones and his crew on “Cadabarra 7” being the only boat to finish out of 20 yachts. The race started in light 10 – 15kn conditions but with an approaching low-pressure system promising difficult conditions. Cadibarra took the unusual decision to sail to the west of King Island, thus avoiding rough conditions which could be expected in the gap between King Island and NW Tasmania. By morning Cadabarra was west of King Island, the wind had shifted south and strengthened to 25 Kn. The wind continued to strengthen throughout the day – 30kn by nightfall with 3m seas, gusting to 45 kn by the morning of day 3. With wind and 5m seas “bang on the nose” progress was slow and remained uncomfortable until the next morning. After 40 hours sailing, the worst of the low-pressure system had passed, the wind abated and shifted west. South West Cape (around 100 nm from the finish) was rounded by lunch time, first hot meal for a while, spinnaker up and a dash across the bottom of Tasmania at 10 – 18 knots. The finish - 2am on Day 4 after 3 days ands 14 hours. Not dangerous but challenging. That’s the Westcoaster.

The honour of being the first two crewed yachtsman to complete the race was Simon Kellett’s “ bobby Dazzler who finished 20th overall in 1990 out of a fleet of 36. Entries since then have been spasmodic but autohelm and navigation technology is improving and two-handed racing in the Westcoaster is actively encouraged. There were 10 “double handed” entries in the 2017 Westcoaster which is a qualifying event for the Melbourne – Osaka Race and they performed well. Magique (Maurice Contessi & Martin Vaughan) finished second overall in AMS taking out the Sovereign Series against the fully crewed fleet and Kraken (Todd Giraudo & David White) second in IRC.

History of the Westcoaster Snapshot

How it all started.

The first ocean race staged in Australia was sailed between Geelong, Victoria and Stanley, Tasmania in 1907 with yachts competing for the Rudder Cup trophy. In 1971 it was time to run a new ocean race. ORCV Commodore, Stan Gibson, had long held the desire to organize a Melbourne to Hobart yacht race. Gibson believed that such a race would be well supported by not only yachtsmen from Victoria but from all States.

Gibson discussed the matter with his ORCV Committee and received a lukewarm response. However, Gibson continued with his desire, but could not find financial support for his idea. The ORCV at the time had no funds and was not too interested in Gibson's idea.

Gibson enlisted the aid of fellow yachtsmen, Peter Riddle and together they approached Donald Trescowthick who saw the immediate benefits and prestige to the Victorian yachting community. Supporting the Melbourne to Hobart Race were ORCV Honorary Secretary, Ron Elliott and his wife Peg.

Trescowthick immediately set up the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race Committee and Gibson arranged for the ORCV, along with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, to take care of the technical sailing matters in Victoria, with the Derwent Sailing Squadron looking after the Hobart end.

The promotion and management of Melbourne to Hobart were entirely in the hands of Trescowthick and his Committee. The public relations for the race were handled by Richard Sexton who had previously managed the public relations for General Motors Holden.

When the public announcement of this new Blue Water Classic was launched, there was considerable unfavourable press and comments such as "Don't go west young man you could be putting your life on the line. In the Interests of safety. The Melbourne to Hobart Race should be abandoned" were made. It was all of this negative publicity that caused Trescowthick to coin the phrase "The boys go down the east, and the men go down the west"

Initially, the Race Committee decided the race should commence at Queenscliff and arranged for the Victorian State Governor, Sir Henry Winneke to start the Race.

The Race Committee had many meetings to discuss what should happen to ensure the ongoing success of the race. At Trescowthick's suggestion, the Sovereign Series of Races was born comprising Cock of the Bay, Melbourne to Hobart and King of the Derwent races.

Trescowthick's companies, Signet Insurance Group, Charles Davis Limited, Co-operative Motors Limited and Swann Insurance Limited were sponsors. These companies invested more than $2m in sponsorship of the Sovereign Series during the ensuing years.

The Sovereign Series was managed by the Race Committee in an effort to generate interest in Melbourne to Hobart. It was promoted as an equal to the Southern Cross Series which was raced bi-annually in Sydney.

Trescowthick's Race Committee negotiated with Victorian and Tasmanian Governments and gained financial support from each during the formative years. After two starts at Queenscliff, the newly formed Sovereign Series Committee (the Melbourne to Hobart Committee having changed its name to reflect the three races) decided to move the start from Queenscliff to Portsea, which had an immediate positive effect on increasing spectators on land, on water and in the air.

Over the coming month's newsletters, we will continue the history with a summary of each race...

THE FIRST RACE 1972

The race entry fee was $20 and attracted 15 intrepid entries. In the first year, the race started off Queenscliff on Boxing Day at 1.30 pm with a course via King Island and South West Cape to a finish line in Hobart’s Derwent River, off the Wrest Point Casino.

With fresh breezes blowing in Bass Strait, the 15 yachts made their way out through Port Phillip Heads with every boat passing King Island to the West. Peter Riddle’s Warwick Hood designed 41-footer ‘’Mary Blair went on to take line honours and hold the Abel Tasman Trophy in the very quick time of 2 days, 16 hours, 19 min and 7 seconds. John Marion’s Phillip Rhodes designed 30-footer, ‘Ailsa’ won the Heemskerk Trophy for the fastest boat on IOR Mark III corrected time

One very lucky boat to complete was Leon O'Donoghue's Swanson 27 ‘Lady Hamilton’ which needed a 6-inch skillet of plywood glued to its skeg to enable it to meet the minimum 24-foot waterline length race entry requirement. In its crew, with 26 offshore races to his credit, was Royal Brighton Yachtsman, Alan Collins, who in later years went on to win the race multiple times.

Worthy of mention was Geoff Wood’s famous 55-foot 3 masted schooner ‘Ile Ola’, with a piano onboard. During her 34 years of racing and cruising, Ile Ola logged no fewer than an astounding 510,000 sea miles and competed in 15 Melbourne to Hobart races.

Ile Ola out through the heads with piano onboard

1973 - 1979

1973 race saw a fleet of eight yachts in the race. Bill Croft’s Tawarri II won line honours, nearly two days slower than Mary Blair’s record time, with Royal Geelong’s Ron Spence’s Appaloosa winning on handicap. Melbourne to Hobart race founder and ORCV member Stan Gibson’s Four Winds II came fourth. In 1974 weather conditions better suited the race fleet and John Williams’s Minna defeated Mary Blair across the line to take line honours, some four hours slower than the race record. Reg Hare’s 37-foot Alan Payne designed Tasman Seabird, Pagan won on handicap. One of many ocean races won by Alan Payne designed yachts of the years. Worthy of note is that 40 years later, Pagan won the 2014 Brisbane to Gladstone race.

Colour television had just been launched in Australia, and in 1975 Dr Tony Fisher’s maxi the 72-foot Joe Adams designed ferro cement, Helsal (named after Fisher's wife Helen and daughter Sally) made its first appearance in a bid to smash the race record. Already holding the 1973 Sydney to Hobart race record, Fisher wanted both. With mostly light winds during the race, meant the maxi was almost half a day slower than the race record. Bob Mercer’s Carter 38 Rovama won on handicap. Helsal returned in 1976 for another shot at claiming the race record. Despite some halyard issues, Helsal went on to take line honours in a record time of 2 days, 7 hours, 18 mins and 51 seconds, nearly nine hours faster than previous record. Jock Sturrock’s former Alan Payne 42-foot Monsoon skippered by John Attwood won on handicap.

The Searle family began a new chapter in the race’s history book in 1977. Wiley Jim Searle and his son Neil scored the first of the family’s record making four back-to-back wins (1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980) on their superbly prepared white and green Farr 1104 Hot Prospect. Line honours was won by Guy Ellis’s 54-foot steel Buchannan, Anaconda, some 13 hours slower than race record time.

Neil Batt’s Sandra scored Tasmania’s first line honours win in 1978 in a time of 2 days, 12 hours, and 21 minutes and in 1979 Alan Collin’s new S&S 34 Eastern Morning entered the race for the time. Over the next ten years Collin’s won the race twice.

Jim Searle returned in 1980 with a new boat Relentless and it didn’t let him down in his quest for a record breaking fourth successive Melbourne to Hobart handicap win. Line honours went to South Australia’s Jim Howell on Nimrod II in a time of 2 days 11 hours 46 mins.

1981 was the 10th anniversary of Melbourne to Hobart. After a decade with no major disasters, a tribute to the race's safety standards and competency of the crews, the Westcoaster emerged from a cloud of controversy as to whether it should ever have been sailed, proving that it could be, and safely. For the first time, Arbitrary Division boats were allowed to race and 11 entries increased entries to a record 33 boats.

Joe Becher’s former Admirals Cupper Apollo II made its race debut, winning IOR handicap division by more than 90 mins with Edie Wall-Smith's Farr42 Rimfire second. Ken King’s new Steinan 40 Noeleen III made its race debut finishing 3rd in IOR Division. Brian Kosts’s 36’ steel cruiser Ebee III won Arbitrary Division and Max Gill’s Holland 48 Isle of Luing took line honours in 3 days 1 hour 13 mins.

1982 IOR Division honours went to Tasmania this year when Hobart based Bill Escott’s S&S 34 Solandra won both line honours and the Arbitrary Division. Meanwhile the Sovereign Series Chairman/Sponsor Sir Donald Trescowthick’s Peterson 40 Kiknos with Neal Searle at the helm, notched a fourth placing in IOR Division.

1983 saw South Australia producing its first handicap winner when James Cowell’s S&S 34 Morning Hustler won the IOR Divion by 65 minutes on corrected time from Alan Collins S&S 34 Eastern Morning David Bowman’s Farr 11.6 Freelance took line honours in 3 days and 7 mins, just 2 mins ahead of Robin Hewett’s Lexcen 49 Yoko. In Arbitrary Division John Edwards UFO 34 Ninda took the trophy against a strong fleet of 16 entries.

In the 1984 race Gary Graham’s 60-foot Royal Geelong based steel sloop Quasimodo won line honours in 3 days 6 hours 27 mins 59 sec., whilst Alan Collins after a 7th and 2nd in previous years broke through for his first IOR Division win on S&S 34 Eastern Morning defeating Ken Page’s S&S 39 Mark Twain. One of the legends of the race, Mac Stokoe from Sandringham Yacht Club sailed his Duncanson 35 Milluna to victory in the Arbitrary Division with Peter McLaren's Adams 12 Lady Bay runner up

The 40 boats in 1985 started with gale force winds as they battled their way across Bass Strait and past King Island. John Lake’s magnificent new Steinman 52-foot Flying Colours from Sandringham Yacht Club made its race debut winning line honours in 2 days 14 hours and 54 mins. Hobart’s Reg Escott sailed home to score his second IOR Division win in three years with his S&S 34 Solandra defeating Graham Aldersea’s Steinman 30 Ruzulu.

Tasmanians won their first ever handicap double in the race, when Drew Murray’s all steel Bollard 36 Trident III (former Ebee III winner Arbitrary Div in 1981) with a hot shot crew of state champion dingy sailors won performance handicap by three and a half hours, defeating Graeme Alexander’s Mottle 33, Thermopylae.

1986 was Flying Colours big year, which saw the quick 52-footer pick up a gale along Tasmania's south coast, surfing home in the new record time of 2 days 3 hours 19 mins 53 sec. Flying Colours slashed almost 4 hours off Helsal’s 1976 record, which had stood for 10 years. Flying Colours also won performance handicap by 3 hours from Dr G Humphrey’s Valkyrie. In IOR Division Peter Gourlay’s Dubois 40 Seaulater won.

In 1987 the IOR Division attracted just three entries, with Eddie Wall-Smith Frers 43 Challenge 3 winning on handicap. The Tasmanians continued their winning streak with Arthur Budd’s bright red hulled Van de Stadt 43 Trumpcard. Line honours went to Flying Colours for the third year in a row.

1988, in the first year of the Sun Smart sponsorship, John Lakes Flying Colours carried the sponsors logo and was line honours winner for a record fourth time in succession.

The South Australians came in force in 1989, when Keith Flint entered the Adams 66 Helsal 1 with his eyes on the line honours record. However, the winds were not quite right and Helsal had to be content with a line honours win in the time of 2 days 12 hours 12 min 3 sec, some 9 hours outside Flying Colours race record time.

In the last year and IOR Division was included in the race, Rob Kenyon steered Ray Abikhairs Farr 37 Hummingbird to victory. Alan Collins won the Channel Handicap in his newly acquired Cavalier 37 By Order of the Secretary and Gary Brice skippered the Navy’s SIII Scarborough of Cerberus to a Performance Handicap victory.

THE 1990'S and FIRST 25 YEARS.

The 1990 race will be remembered as the year Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing was captured on film wave dancing on the Southern Ocean by Tasmania’s world-renowned yachting photographer, Richard Bennett.

Wild Thing was pictured three quarters out of the water surfing down 10-meter waves at speeds in excess of 30 knots, as the Inglis 47 sped on its way to setting a new race record of 2 days 20 minutes and 19 seconds. Bennett’s image was voted Yachting International picture of the year, and it was published in over 60 magazines and books worldwide!

Nigel Jones’ Farr 40 Paladin won Channel Handicap division with style and Richmond Edmunds gave Tasmania its 5th Heemskerk Trophy win in 19 years with his Adams 13 Risky Business.

With the Melbourne to Osaka double handed race looming the following March, Simon Kellett with co skipper Chris Pullin raced the 12.4-meter Swanson Bobby Dazzler to victory in the Westcoater. The year of first Double Handed race entrant.

1991 was when former ORCV Commodore Robin Hewitt’s Lexcen Yoko celebrated its 10th Westcoaster race by notching up its first handicap win in the very competitive Performance Handicap division. Yoko defeated Grant Wharington’s line honours winner Wild Thing by 4 hours and 30 minutes on corrected time.

Robin Hewitt, Trevor Huggard and the crew were so excited they organized a 'Big Day Out’ party for over 250 colleagues on a nearby landing barge to celebrate the occasion

This was also the year for the first running of the new IMS division, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club based Adams 12 Friction skippered by Chris Laker won the converted Heemskerk Trophy

For the 1992 race, Lactos Cheese was the sponsor. All eyes were on Robert Hopcraft’s Adams 52 Animal Farm which after losing its mast soon after the start the year before, was back larger than life and out to get rid of its “Second to Hobart Bridesmaid” tag. Soon after clearing the heads, Animal Farm shot away to lead the fleet down the West Coat of Tasmania. By the Derwent River, after a record-breaking run from South West Cape, Animal Farm held a 15-mile lead over Flying Colours and looked odds on for its maiden win. But in the last few miles, it got caught in the windless “Taroona Hole’ and sat helplessly as Flying Colours caught up, and passed them, to not only win Line Honours but set a new race record time of 2 days 15 mins 7 seconds, 15 minutes faster than Wild Thing’s race record!

In Performance Handicap Division, Richard Edmund’s Adam 13 Risky Business and in IMS Division John Saul’s 12 m sloop Quit for Life brought home two winners in one year for Tasmania.

Sadly, 1992 was to be the last year that Geoff Woods was able to sail Ile Ola to Hobart. Two years later when Geoff died in Geelong, the Westcoaster, and Yachting Victoria lost a true legend.

1993 was quite the year. If winning yacht races is all about evoking high levels of emotion, 1993 Melbourne to Hobart IMS winner certainly produced a heart wrenching story. Well known Royal Brighton Yacht Club skipper Allan Collins, recovering from a throat cancer operation, was unable to compete. However, his crew, led by co-owner Rex Billing raced the Cavalier 37 By Order of the Secretary flat out down the West Coast dedicating their fine win to their absent and ailing skipper back in Melbourne.

In line honours battle, Royal Brighton’s David Gotze sailing his Davidson Murray 52 Prime Example celebrated his recent marriage, and his first Ocean Race, by being the first to Hobart and greeting his new wife in 2 days 22 hours and 8 mins. This was the first ocean race for David, and it was where his passion for ocean racing and his love of the Melbourne to Hobart race was born.

The Navy's Scarborough of Cerberus skippered by Ken Moody scorched home to win the Performance Handicap by 62 minutes. Sadly, three weeks later at the Western Port Marina in Hastings, the yachting world was shocked when Ken Moody tragically lost his life after he was accidentally electrocuted whilst building the ‘boat of his dreams’. Later in June, Melbourne to Hobart sailors bid farewell to another great character and loyal supporter of ORCV when Alan Collins lost his battle with cancer.

1994 race saw Line Honours and Double Handed trophy won in spectacular fashion by Simon Kellett's Inglis 47 entry Fast Forward. Simon was lucky to reach Hobart after he escaped injury when trapped upside down in a bosuns chair at the top of Fast Forward's mast in a gale off South West Cape!

In Performance Handicap, Rear Admiral Peter Briggs brought home the previous year's winning Navy entry Scarborough of Cerberus to take first prize.

1995 was Tasmania’s turn to dominate results again with Hobart’s John Saul traded up to the Inglis 47 Tasmap, which more than 200 spectator boats at the start off Portsea saw win the converted Port Phillip Pilots Trophy race to the Heads, before it went on to score an all the way convincing Line Honours win in 2 days 20 hours and 27 mins.

1996 was the 25th anniversary of the race and was contested by a race record size fleet of 74 yachts. A great achievement for a race that they said would never be held! It was a fast race with a new race record set by Peter Hansen’s PL Lease Management of 1 day 23 hours 15 mins and 38 seconds. Taking more than 50 minutes off the previous race record. Standing up to receive the Heemskerk Trophy (holding his new born baby) was skipper and owner of Brighton Star, David Gotze.

“The Westcoaster was my first ocean race and will always be my favorite ocean race...... it's a very special race, I love the race,” (David Gotze, August 2022)

A special race for Brighton Star skipper David Gotze winning the 25th Melbourne to Hobart race in 1990. Photo Richard Bennett

Melbourne to Hobart Past Results

The Heemskirk trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the Westcoaster on corrected time using the measurement handicap system with the largest number of entries. Measurement handicap systems have evolved through time. In the past 20 years the most popular measurement handicap systems used in Victoria have been the International Measurement System IMS, The International Measurement System IRC and the Australian Measurement System AMS. For the past 4 years the overall winner has competed under both IRC and AMS rating systems and has been the leader in both of the Measurement Handicap Divisions. Results since 1999 are given below.

The Heemskirk trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the Westcoaster on corrected time using the measurement handicap system with the largest number of entries. Measurement handicap systems have evolved through time. In the past 20 years the most popular measurement handicap systems used in Victoria have been the International Measurement System IMS, The International Measurement System IRC and the Australian Measurement System AMS.  For a number of years, the overall winner also 1st on AMS and IRC. Results since 1999 are given below.

Overall Winners 

Between 1972 and 1999 the Heemskirk trophy was awarded to the winner under the premier handicapping system of the day  but the handicapping systems varied and the system applied in any given year was not necessarily in common use nor system with the most entries.                                                     

The Overall winners in this period are listed below.

Results by Division

• Sailing Program Overview
• Online Entry
• Melbourne to Osaka
• Entry Compliance Declarations
• Crew Compliance
• How to use the Tracker
• Installing your Tracker
• Crew Opportunities
• Results Archive
• Safety & Sea Survival Course
• Safety & Sea Survival Course - Refresher
• Foredeck Essentials
• Beyond the Bay
• Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads
• Weather Courses
• Navigator Courses
• Practical Hands-on Marine Radio Workshop
• Marine Radio Operators Certificate LROCP
• 3rd party training courses
• Volunteer with Us
• Ocean and Bay Passes
• Sponsors and supporters
• Inclusion, Diversity and Protection
• Honour Board
• Sustainability
• Keel and Rudder Inspections
• Useful articles and links
• Forms and checklists
• Safety equipment auditors
• Medical Information
• Stability Requirements
• Offshore Safety

3 Aquatic Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206 Ph. 0493 102 744 E. [email protected]

• About the Race
• Race Documents
• ORCV Championships
• Coastal Sprints
• Cock of the Bay
• Devonport - Rudder Cup
• Double Handed (Bay Race)
• Hobart Westcoaster
• King Island
• Winter Series
• Longitude Coastal Passage
• Overnight Race
• Enter ORCV Bay Races
• Enter ORCV Ocean Races Online
• Online Entry Instructions
• Skipper & Crew Tracker Instructions
• Become a sponsor or supporter
• Our Sponsors
• Our Supporters
• Our Partners
• ORCV Commodores and Life Members
• ORCV Ocean Racer of the Year
• ORCV Volunteer of the Year
• Crew Encouragement Award
• Youth Sailor of the Year
• Life Raft and Vests

Quick Links

Times Past: Canberra boat takes line honours in Sydney to Hobart

On this day in 1991, The Canberra Times reported on the pocket-maxi yacht, the Brindabella, taking line honours in the ruthless Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading

The pale blue racer, with beaming owner-skipper George Snow at the helm, was greeted by more than 300 crammed pleasure craft and thousands of on-shore Tasmanians as she cruised past the finishing line on the Derwent River.

Awaiting Mr Snow in Hobart - a fax from the ACT's chief minister, Rosemary Follett, that read: "Congratulations to you and the crew of Brindabella (especially the fellow Canberrans) on your magnificent line-honours win. You have done Canberra proud again! Have a great New Year."

Brindabella, competing only in her second Sydney to Hobart, completed the 630 nautical mile journey at 2.14 pm, posting the official time of three days, one hour, 14 minutes and nine seconds. Named after the ranges surrounding Canberra, at 65 feet it was the smallest yacht to take line honours since the converted 12m American Eagle, in 1972.

A sunburnt but elated Mr Snow said light winds off Tasmania's south-east coast had helped Brindabella break away in the closing stages of the race.

He admitted to having butterflies in his stomach as they entered the Derwent River hoping that the wind would not let them down.

Visit: trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/13014777

Jess Hollingsworth

More from history, times past: september 23, 1978, times past: september 22, 1962, times past: september 21, 1991, times past: september 20, 1984, times past: september 19, 1973, times past: september 18, 1964, newsletters & alerts.

Your morning news

Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Note from the Editor

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Early Look At David Pope

Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon.

AS IT HAPPENS

Public Service News

Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service.

Explore Travel

Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe.

Get the latest property and development news here.

What's On

Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.

Weekend Reads

We've selected the best reading for your weekend.

Times Reader's Panel

Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.

The Echidna

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

TWICE WEEKLY

The Informer

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Breaking news alert

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Today's Paper Alert

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Advertisement

• The Dictionary of Sydney
• Browse Entries

Sydney to Hobart yacht race

The dictionary of sydney was archived in 2021..

Persistent URL for this entry

To cite this entry in text, to cite this entry in a wikipedia footnote citation, to cite this entry as a wikipedia external link.

Sydney Harbour and boat races have gone together for a long time. One writer, referring to 'what may fairly be termed the national sport of the colony, boat-racing', has left us with a lyrical description of a typical race day on the harbour:

… the glancing waters, fresh with the breeze that prevailed throughout the day, were studded by a thousand boats of every description, all freighted with life and gaiety; and round the harbour, from every point commanding a view of the course prescribed for the contesting boats, gay parties were assembled. [1]

This was 26 January, Foundation Day (also known as Anniversary Day, now called Australia Day) in 1848, and it showed the sense of adventure and exhilaration associated with yachting that has continued to be felt on Sydney Harbour.

The most famous race that has emerged is the Sydney to Hobart, as it is locally known. The race covers 628 nautical miles, starting from Sydney Harbour at 1 pm on Boxing Day (26 December), as it has done for over six decades. It has been held every year since 1945, with the inaugural fleet of nine yachts growing to a record 371 starters in the 50th race in 1994 – the largest fleet in the world for a Category 1 Ocean Race. In 2007, 82 yachts took part.

Postwar celebration

It all began in 1945, when a group of Sydney yachtsmen started planning for a post-World War II cruise to Hobart. Captain John Illingworth, who was a British Royal Navy officer stationed in Sydney at the time, had been a keen racing yachtsman in Britain before the war. He bought the 39-foot (11.8-metre) Rani , and joined them.

Because of weather conditions, the race is rarely without incident: in the first, several of the boats were briefly 'lost' during the race, among them Rani , although it did complete the course to take both 'line' (first over the line) and 'handicap' (corrected time for type of yacht) honours.

In 1984, a fleet of 150 yachts started, but 104 retired in the face of 'strong to gale force' southerly winds that battered the fleet. In 1993, there were 110 starters, but only 38 finished: crews abandoned two yachts as they sank, while the skipper of another was washed overboard and spent five hours in high seas. Luckily he was spotted by a search vessel and picked up by another yacht.

Stormy weather

In 1998 the race became a major disaster, when wild storms took their toll. The 115-yacht fleet sailed into the worst weather in the Sydney to Hobart's history. Six sailors died and just 44 yachts survived the gale-force winds and mountainous seas to finish the race. Two crew members died on the Launceston yacht Business Post Naiad , one by drowning, the other from a heart attack at the height of the storm. Several yachts were sent to the bottom and the biggest maritime rescue operation in Australia's history was mounted to pluck about 50 sailors from the sea. The storm highlighted some of the more foolhardy aspects of the race and led to a major review of race procedures. The ensuing enquiry made several recommendations for raising safety standards and requirements for competitors.

Despite such risks, the Sydney to Hobart is one of the great ocean races of the globe. No other annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage and popular attention.

The weather risks are not the only source of controversy. In 1990, a spokesman for the NSW Cancer Council ruffled a few cravats by claiming that the name and logo of the British yacht Rothmans breached the NSW voluntary advertising code – which stated that any vehicles propelled by petrol, diesel, gas, solar or wind power were banned from advertising cigarettes. This was in the midst of a war between tobacco companies – who were denying any adverse effects of smoking – and doctors and public health advocates, so it saw much heated debate. Gin-and-tonics were spilt at the bar.

While many of the same yachts compete around the world, and their focus is on the longer campaign to be best in Category 1, for many locals the Sydney to Hobart race is itself the point of it all. In its early years, the race was dominated by 'amateurs', many of whom were Wednesday and Saturday sailors for their local clubs. But over the years, the race has attracted the rich and famous, and many such Australians have been competitors: Alan Bond, and Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch among them. The race has also attracted well-known sailors from overseas: Ted Turner, the founder of CNN cable network in the USA, for one, while Sir Edward Heath skippered Morning Cloud to victory in 1969, a year before he became Prime Minister of Britain.

Nowadays, major corporations sponsor both yachts and the race itself. Many yachts now have names like Alfa Romeo, Nokia, Skandia, Porsche, Hugo Boss, and Credit Index Leopard , while the race itself was, in 2008, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, after the race's organiser, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, negotiated a multi-year sponsorship deal with the prominent international company Rolex.

The 2007 winner of line honours, Wild Oats XI, is only the second boat to win in three consecutive years; the first was Morna , in 1948. There have been several repeat winners, like 1975 and 1977 line honours winner Kialoa III.

Names can linger on, even though the boat itself has changed. There have been various famous Gretel s and Helsal s: the original Helsal took line honours in 1973 and set a race record, while Helsal IV competed in 2007.

On the other hand, some boats like Ragamuffin keep starting year after year: her placings in the Sydney to Hobart include a second in 1986 and two thirds, in 1985 and 1989 respectively. Among the fleet in 1994 were two yachts that had started in the inaugural race – Archina and Winston Churchill . Among the crews that year were two yachtsmen, Peter Luke and 'Boy' Messenger, by then in their 70s, who had sailed in 1945. Probably the 'grand old man' of the race is Syd Fischer, now in his eighties, who in 2008 competed in his fortieth Sydney to Hobart race.

Sail-world.com website, 'Rolex Sydney Hobart Milstone Race, Overall Winners Announced', http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Rolex-Sydney-Hobart-Milestone-Race,-Overall-Winners-Announced/52428, viewed 20 February 2009

Official Site of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/default.asp, viewed 20 February 2009

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia website, http://www.cyca.com.au/, viewed 20 February 2009

[1] BC Peck, Recollections of Sydney, John Mortimer, London, 1850, pp 150–1

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

Fantastic finish for 22nd Rolex Swan Cup

Sweden imperious on all action day at the Youth America’s Cup

American team “Yonder” are the J/70 World Champions

Ibiza JoySail offers champagne sailing conditions for superyacht fleet

Legallais takes the win in the CIC Normandy Channel Race

A strong start in light conditions for Zen TOO at the TF35 final

Andoo Team Australia Update

KISS 2024 a Sellout Success

Rolex Swan Cup – Day 3

New York Yacht Club to Host 2025 Team Racing Worlds in Sonar Keelboats

Marinas26 Destination Announced

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

Join Our Newsletter

• Name First Last
• Email 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

• 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} ouch little to no wind today, .tdi_221{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} sundays weather in barcelona, .tdi_234{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} gods and goats, not all what t..., .tdi_247{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} race 5: sweden strengthens lea..., .tdi_260{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} race 4: sweden clinches thrill..., .tdi_273{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} race 3: sweden soars to second..., 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} ouch little to no wind today, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_309{margin-top:10pximportant}} sundays weather in barcelona, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_318{margin-top:10pximportant}} gods and goats, not all what they’re hyped up to be, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_327{margin-top:10pximportant}} race 5: sweden strengthens lead with commanding win on day 5 of unicredit youth america’s cup, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_336{margin-top:10pximportant}} race 4: sweden clinches thrilling victory over australia in youth america’s cup.

Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

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

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 .

COMING EVENTS

Waka Ama - 2024 Long Distance Nationals , 3 - 6 Oct 2024 at Oneroa (Midway Beach) Gisborne

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition) , 4 & 5 Oct 2024 , New Zealand wide

Whangārei Maritime Festival , 12 - 13 Oct 2024 at the Whangārei Town Basin

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon , 22 - 26 Oct 2024 on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge , 8 - 10 Nov 2024 Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NZ Match Racing Championships , 14 - 17 Nov 2024 in Auckland

Extreme Boats Fishing Tournament , 29 & 30 Nov 2024 in Whitianga

Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta , 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 at Torbay Sailing Club

Rolex Sydney to Hobart , 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships , 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix , 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

UIM World Jetsprint Championships , 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

NZ Millenium Cup , 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup , 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals , 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

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_396{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} gods and goats, not all what they’re hyped up to be, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_405{margin-top:10pximportant}} when a series of unfortunate events force an unexpected u-turn, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_414{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey; that sinking feeling, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_423{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey: life lessons, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_432{margin-top:10pximportant}} one family’s boating journey; racing to whangamata.

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

Under 100 Days to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

Related Articles