The 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race began in a way that immediately reminded everyone why this event remains one of the true benchmarks of offshore sailing worldwide. A fleet of 128 yachts crossed the start line in Sydney Harbour under overcast skies and a strong southerly breeze, setting the tone for a cold, demanding and physically punishing opening. From the first moments, it was clear this would not be a forgiving edition, but a race that would test boats and crews from the outset.
As the fleet left sheltered waters and entered the open sea, crews were met by a short, aggressive sea state that put both seamanship and equipment under immediate pressure. Forecasts pointed to long, sustained upwind sailing through the opening 24 hours, a scenario that has historically exposed fatigue, small errors and mechanical weaknesses. From the five 100-foot supermaxis to Corinthian crews and double-handed entries, all competitors faced the same uncompromising challenge, driving south without respite.
At the front of the fleet, Christian Beck’s LawConnect made an early statement by holding the lead ahead of Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI and SHK Scallywag 100. Beck admitted the position came as a surprise, given that the opening phase favoured boats with stronger downwind performance. “Very surprised, because it was a downwind start and Comanche is faster downwind,” he told media from on board, as the yacht surged through rough seas at double-digit speeds.
One of the decisive early details was the speed and precision of crew work, particularly during the spinnaker set. On LawConnect, the sail was hoisted approximately twenty seconds before its closest rival, a seemingly small margin that can translate into significant gains over a 628-nautical-mile course. Within the first hours of racing, just six miles separated the top six yachts, with the 88-foot Lucky notably holding position among the front-runners.
Conditions quickly began to take their toll across the fleet, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a contest of endurance as much as speed. The first retirements came early. Queensland Welbourn 50 Hutchies Yeah Baby was forced to withdraw after a headstay foil failure, while White Noise retired with rigging damage. Northshore 38 Inukshuk exited the race following rudder problems, a critical failure in the heavy, building seas. Yendys did not even make the start, suffering a broken backstay before the warning signal, a crushing blow after months of preparation.
Amid the intensity of the opening hours, the human dimension of the race remained present. As the fleet passed Bondi Beach, several yachts scattered rose petals into the water in tribute to the victims of the recent attack in the area, a quiet and respectful gesture that underscored the race’s connection to the wider world beyond competition.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart is far more than a spectacular start or a celebrated finish at Constitution Dock. Since its origins in 1945, when a casual cruising invitation evolved almost by accident into a race, it has become an annual test that demands consistency, meticulous preparation and an honest acceptance of risk. Sponsored by Rolex since 2002, it stands as a cornerstone of the Swiss watchmaker’s nearly seventy-year association with yachting.
From a technical perspective, this edition once again highlights the importance of routing, weather interpretation and disciplined sail selection. As North Sails experts emphasise, success is not about carrying more sails, but about carrying the right ones, prioritising versatility, durability and broad trim ranges. Each inventory is bespoke, tailored to hull form, righting moment and realistic performance objectives, a philosophy particularly evident among the leading programmes.
Among the supermaxis, Master Lock Comanche arrives with a new 3Di mainsail designed to withstand extreme loads, Palm Beach XI presents a fully optimised inventory following its recent refit, SHK Scallywag 100 focuses on efficiency in lighter conditions, and Lucky targets consistency and reliability in prolonged downwind legs. Yet, as always in this race, attention is not limited to the giants. The overall handicap prize remains wide open, where well-sailed smaller boats and smart decisions can reshape the outcome entirely.
The 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is now fully under way and, true to its history, it offers no promises of comfort. What it does promise is a race that is demanding, uncompromising and unforgettable
