Join our race crew for the next Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

8 days / cat 1 yacht race / 630nm

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is one of the toughest and most respected Category 1 ocean races in the world. It’s the only major race that starts in a harbour, takes in a passage and finishes in a river. This will be the 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, with a fleet in excess of 100 yachts expected, ranging from 36 to 100 foot in length. The electric pre-race village atmosphere at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) followed by the excitement of the build-up to the start on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day is hard to describe.

With thousands of spectator vessels, helicopters overhead and hundreds of thousands of people lining the Sydney waterfront and cliff tops, the race start at 1pm on Boxing Day each year is an Australian sporting tradition. We'll assemble in Sydney late on Christmas Day, start the race at 1pm on Boxing Day and arrive in Hobart in time for New Years celebrations, the Taste of Tasmania Festival and a range of great local activities and sights. It’s an absolutely unique experience from the moment to land in Sydney to the time you depart Hobart.

Race overview

Departing Sydney on Boxing Day, race participants are met with a spectacular send-off, with thousands of spectators lining the harbour and an armada of support boats following the fleet out through the Sydney Heads. For non-racers making the passage at another time, the excitement still builds as the journey begins from one of the most iconic sailing harbours in the world. The conditions can be calm and picturesque or choppy and challenging, as yachts leave the sheltered waters of Sydney and head into the open ocean.

The first part of the passage involves navigating down the New South Wales coast, where the winds and seas can vary dramatically. Some days offer fast downwind sailing, with spinnakers flying and boats surfing down waves, while other times, a southerly buster can turn conditions brutal, with strong headwinds and steep seas making for a relentless bash southward. Crews must be vigilant for changing weather patterns, as this stretch of coastline is known for its unpredictable shifts in wind strength and direction.

The Bass Strait is where the Sydney to Hobart truly earns its reputation. Known for its ferocious winds, strong currents, and sudden squalls, it can be an intimidating and physically exhausting part of the journey. Many sailors experience huge waves and gale-force winds, leading to bruising conditions and intense sail changes. At night, the experience can be surreal, with bioluminescent waves crashing around the yacht and the crew pushing through fatigue to stay on course.

After surviving the Bass Strait, rounding Tasman Island and entering Storm Bay offers a renewed sense of hope. However, conditions can still be unpredictable, with winds either dropping completely or funnelling through the rugged coastline, creating one last tactical challenge before the final run up the Derwent River to Hobart.

Arriving in Hobart is an incredible relief and achievement, whether racing or cruising. Sailors are met with a warm welcome at Constitution Dock, where stories of the crossing are shared over a well-earned drink. The sense of camaraderie and accomplishment is unmatched, as the Sydney to Hobart remains one of the most legendary and unforgettable sailing experiences in the world.

Sydney to Hobart Sailing Adventure – Aboard Silver Fern & Awen

Experience the iconic Sydney to Hobart passage aboard either Silver Fern or Awen, two exceptional ocean-going yachts offering unique sailing experiences on this legendary route. Whether you're seeking a performance-driven challenge or a more comfortable offshore adventure, both vessels provide an unforgettable journey on one of the world’s most famous bluewater passages.

Sailing Silver Fern

Silver Fern is a classic ocean racer-cruiser, designed for stability, comfort, and adventure sailing. She offers a spacious deck and interior, making her ideal for those who want to experience the Sydney to Hobart route in a more relaxed yet capable offshore yacht. With a strong, well-balanced hull, Silver Fern provides a smooth and steady ride, making her a great choice for sailors looking for a more comfortable ocean passage without sacrificing the thrill of offshore sailing.

Sailing Awen

Awen is a high-performance IMOCA 60 racing yacht, built for speed, agility, and an exhilarating offshore sailing experience. As an ex-racing thoroughbred, she offers a fast, high-intensity passage, ideal for sailors wanting to push themselves and experience the raw power of an ocean racing yacht. With her lightweight carbon design, canting keel, and impressive sail area, Awen delivers a true offshore racing experience, making the Sydney to Hobart passage a thrilling challenge for experienced sailors.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

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