The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

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The Sydney to hobart yacht race is one of the most legendary ocean races in the world. It’s not only a test of skill and strength but also of endurance. It’s the ultimate challenge for any sailor, and is a great way to experience the magic of Tasmania's wild coastline. The race has an incredible history, and was first held in 1945. It is a unique event, and has become synonymous with the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of glory.

The first Sydney to Hobart was organised in 1945 by Peter Luke and a group of friends. They were planning a post-World War II cruise to Hobart when visiting British Royal Navy officer Captain John Illingworth suggested that they turn it into a race instead. This was the start of an extraordinary tradition that has attracted many famous sailors and even more extraordinary stories.

In its early years the race was dominated by ‘amateurs’ – Wednesday and Saturday sailing club members who took part in the event for the love of it rather than for financial reward. However, since the late 1980s it has attracted wealthy Australians who have built custom-made superyachts to compete in the event. Some of these yachts are now campaigned around the world, but many of the same crews return each year to defend their crown in Australia’s most prestigious event.

There are few other races in the world that attract such a diverse fleet of boats, from 30-footers to 100-footers, sailed by crews who range from weekend sailors to professional racing teams. As the Governor of Tasmania Sir Guy Green observed at a prizegiving ceremony in 2001, it is an egalitarian event that has embraced yachts from every corner of the globe and attracted world-class skippers.

For the elite super maxi yachts, a Sydney to hobart race like this is the crowning jewel of their season, and they spend millions to equip themselves for the event. But a race this long has to take its toll on the fleet. In 1998, a freakish storm sent several boats to the bottom and resulted in one of the biggest maritime rescue operations in Australia’s history. It highlighted some of the more foolhardy aspects of the race and led to a review of the rules.

For most other boats the race is a chance to get to know their boats and their crews over the course of more than a week at sea. Sylph, a 40ft (12m) yacht made in 1960, is one such entry, and she will be sailed by veteran skipper Michael Williams and his crew of two. They’re aiming to finish the race with a little more time in hand than last year, and will celebrate their achievement with a rum cocktail on board. The race starts in Sydney Harbour, and concludes in Constitution Dock in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart. The full race takes about 720 nautical miles. 157 boats have started this year.

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