From 30-foot corinthians to 100-foot supermaxis, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race continues to thrill as the race celebrates 80 years
Anticipation is building for the 80th edition of one of the world’s greatest sporting events – the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
The event had its origins in 1945, when Captain John Illingworth famously suggested, “Why don’t we make a race of it?” to a group of sailors planning a leisurely cruise from Sydney to Hobart. Nine yachts took part and a tradition was born. Now hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), the race takes place every year on 26 December, Boxing Day. This year’s fleet of 142 yachts are expected to cross one of four start lines at 1pm.
After the dramatic start in Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out through Sydney Heads and turns right for the ‘Great Race South’ to Tasmania, across the Bass Strait, before the final sail down the River Derwent to cross the finish line in Hobart.
Across 628 nautical miles, sailors may be confronted by strong winds, rough seas, and freezing temperatures.
In 2024, supermaxi Law Connect (100 feet/30 metres) claimed Line Honours after one day 13 hours 35 minutes at sea. In 2025, the Law Connect team aim to win Line Honours for a third consecutive year.
Most of the fleet finish within three to four days.
What makes the race so special is that the trophy for the Overall winner doesn’t necessarily go to the fastest, most expensive yacht. It is awarded to the winner of the handicap competition based on the yacht’s length, shape, weight and sail dimensions.
Celestial (70 feet), skippered by CYCA Commodore Sam Hayne, will be back this year to attempt back-to-back wins. However, hot on Celestial’s heels will be three-time winner Love & War, and Wild Oats XI (now Palm Beach XI) is back after a two-year hiatus. The last-minute entry has excited the punters, with skipper Mark Richards attempting to better the yacht’s nine Line Honours and two Overall victories.
While initially crews were male dominated, women are now making waves in the Sydney Hobart. In 2024, around 135 women competed – and that number is set to grow in 2025 with 11 female skippers. Elizabeth Tucker is leading an all-women crew on First Light, Double Handed sailor Jiang Lin is on board Min River and Annika Thomson sails on Ocean Crusaders J-Bird. Thomson is after her fourth consecutive Jane Tate Memorial Trophy, awarded to the first woman skipper to cross the finish line.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Whether you’re watching from the water, the shore, or your couch, the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race promises edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.
Additional reporting by Michelle Giglio
HOW TO WATCH THE SYDNEY HOBART
The start lines are mostly near Nielsen Park off Vaucluse Bay, and there are many ways to watch the race: on the water from a boat, from land and on television.
On the water
The official spectator boat, The Jackson, is sold out. However there are other commercial cruises offering spots.
Land viewing
You can get amazing views of the boats from some great spots along the harbour. The best advice is to get in early, set up a picnic, pack plenty of water/sunscreen and leave the car at home. Middle Head offers great views from the grass at the Georges Heights lookout in Mosman. Cremorne Point and Bradley’s Head are also good options to watch the start. North Head at the end of Manly has incredible, unimpeded harbour views. This is where the yachts turn out to the open sea through the Heads.
On television
Nine Network’s free-to-air television channel broadcasts the action from 12.30pm, and you can also watch the race on the CYCATV YouTube channel.
