Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: an international icon in sailing
by Quinag 20 Nov 12:19 NZDT
26 December 2024
All systems go during the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © ROLEX | Andrea Francolini
Since its inauguration nearly 80 years ago, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has built an esteemed global reputation and become one of the most famous fixtures on the international sporting calendar.
Rolex has partnered the event and its organizer, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), since 2002, the race forming an integral part of the Swiss watchmaker's long-standing support for sailing.
The 2024 edition will be the 79th of the 628-nautical mile (1,163 kilometre) offshore race from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania. The start, as ever, on 26 December takes place in the heart of the Australian summer, the mood festive as crowds swell along the shoreline, eager to be part of this celebratory occasion.
Once through the Sydney Heads, the fleet embarks on the long leg southwards down the New South Wales coast and across the infamous eastern edge of the exposed Bass Strait. While competitors are often out of sight, public interest remains strong to the end. The reception in Hobart, where the CYCA enjoys the support of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, is often as rousing as the departure.
Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby, an Olympic gold medallist and three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year, is one of Australia's greatest sailors. Having competed in the "great race south" six times, he is well placed to articulate the event's significance.
"When I go back to Australia and people ask what I do, as soon as I say I am a professional sailor, the first question anyone asks is 'how many Rolex Sydney Hobarts have you done?'"
Staged annually since its inception in 1945, the race has forged its towering reputation through the achievements of some 60,000 competitors and 7,500 yachts that have embraced the challenge. Many of the greatest sailors of their generations have been drawn to participate, as have the most eye-catching boats of their respective eras. For all of Slingsby's accolades, his line honours win at the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart looms large:
"Whenever I'm chatting to an Australian about my sporting career, I can say I have won line honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and broken the race record. If that was not the case, people might not take me seriously as a professional sailor."
Like Slingsby, fellow Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie has enjoyed an illustrious career, from the Olympic Games through to the America's Cup and SailGP. Sailing more 600-nautical mile classic races remains an ambition, especially as his experience at the Rolex Sydney Hobart left a lasting impression.
"When I went offshore at the Rolex Sydney Hobart, I was lucky to be racing on a 100-foot Maxi and it took just under two days. The experience has given me a real appreciation of the sailing ability and camaraderie inherent in these races, especially within the Corinthian boats taking two or three times as long and not quite so comfortable."
Despite the presence of professional crews and some of the world's most cutting-edge racing craft, the Rolex Sydney Hobart, like other offshore classics the Rolex Fastnet Race and Rolex Middle Sea Race, is imbued with the traditional spirit of sailing. The majority of the fleet, drawn from all corners of Australia and internationally, are comprised of skilled, amateur sailors. In addition to the thrill of competing in and completing such an iconic race, they are all in contention for one of sport's most emblematic prizes, the Tattersall Cup, awarded to the overall winner on handicap.
The CYCA has long played a key role in the event's development and the race remains central to its identity. As Commodore Dr Sam Haynes explains:
"The appeal of the Rolex Sydney Hobart is as strong as ever. Over 100 yachts have registered for this year's edition, from first timers to those experienced in its numerous challenges. What unites them all is a passion to test themselves against the elements, their peers, and to become part of the rich fabric of this epic race."
Over the last few editions, there have been a number of dramatic finishes for line honours. Last year, a mere 51 seconds separated the first two yachts. With regard to the overall victory, the democratic nature of offshore racing is demonstrated by the diverse range of recent winners, from 100-foot (30.48 metre) Maxis to smaller yachts in the 40-60ft (12-18m) range.
Rolex is proud to be associated with a contest that demands precision, dedication and the highest level of performance from the competitors and their boats.