Less Than 100 Days Until the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 18 Sep 00:56 PDT
26 December 2024
Clockwork enduring harsh conditions in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
With only 99 days left until the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, this year’s competitor lineup is poised to be one of the most thrilling in recent times. So far, 75 yachts have registered, featuring a mix of veteran racers and newcomers – all preparing for the challenging 628 nautical-mile journey.
Yachts will gather in Sydney Harbour from various states. Currently:
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 persists and entries remain open until Friday, October 25, additional competitors are anticipated to enter, eager to test their mettle in one of the most esteemed ocean races worldwide.
View the entry list
Maxis and Mini-Maxis
The race will again showcase the intense competition among some of the largest and quickest yachts globally, with a robust fleet of Maxis and Mini-Maxis already confirmed. Among the notable entries are several 100-foot giants, all aiming for the prestigious Line Honours title. These ocean racing titans will be contesting not only against the elements but also against each other, as they strive for the swiftest time to Hobart.
Last year’s Line Honours victor, LawConnect, is committed to defending its title, while Comanche aims to reclaim its authority in the offshore fleet. Entering the ranks of the largest boats is the luxurious cruiser Maritimo 100, alongside the newly introduced Oyster 100 owned by Billy Barry-Cotter, marking its first appearance in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Joining these giants are URM Group, Moneypenny, No Limit, Whisper, and Willow, creating a highly competitive lineup among the largest vessels in this year’s race. With such a formidable field, the scene is set for a fierce competition as each team strives for triumph.
Last year’s overall victor, Alive, has yet to officially register but is keenly looking forward to defending its Overall title.
International Entrants
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race retains a strong global allure, with numerous international entrants arriving in Sydney prior to Boxing Day. Yachts from countries like the USA, New Zealand, France, and Hong Kong have already signed up, enhancing the event’s reputation as one of the premier ocean races on the international schedule. These teams, many possessing extensive offshore racing backgrounds, are gearing up to face the distinctive challenges of Australia’s east coast and the hazardous conditions of the Bass Strait.
Among the five international entries is Caro, making its third journey south. A new competitor making its debut is Bacchanal, a locally-built JPK 11.80 soon to be based in the United States. Another JPK 11.80, Cocody from France, is currently en route to Sydney in preparation for the race. Owner Richard Fromentin, encouraged by Cocody’s success in the RORC Transatlantic Race—where it took first in IRC One and second overall—has opted to take on the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race challenge.
Double Handed Entrants
The increasing popularity of Double Handed sailing is once again reflected in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet, with a robust group challenging the race with only two crew members. Double Handed participants will compete not just for the Overall race title but also to showcase their endurance and sailing abilities in this expanding and dynamic category.
Currently, there are 16 Double Handed entrants, just two fewer than in the 2023 event. Among this year’s entries is Fika, co-skippered by mother-daughter team Sophie and Annette Hesselmans. For the duo, their offshore journey continues beyond Hobart, as this race also serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Melbourne Osaka Cup.
The Oldest of the Fleet
The oldest yacht in the fleet is Katwinchar, a Double Handed entry helmed by Michael Spies. Constructed in 1904 by the Watney Brewery in England, Katwinchar was originally designed for the now-defunct Rater Rule and enjoyed considerable success racing around England.
The restored Katwinchar made a notable appearance in the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart race in 2019, where it won its division and briefly led the overall race. Following its recent shift to Double Handed sailing, the boat has been modified to a more streamlined configuration, featuring the removal of the mizzenmast and a transition to tiller steering. Though expectations are high, their focus is on maximizing the boat’s capability and enjoying the challenge ahead.
With 99 days remaining, excitement is steadily mounting for the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. From powerful maxis to adventurous double-handed entries, coupled with strong inter-state and international representation, this year’s fleet is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history.
Notice of Race and entry forms
