Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Only 99 days to go until 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

by RSHYR Media 18 Sep 2023 05:55 UTC 26 December 2023
Celestial - Overall winner Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2022 © RSHYR Media

A strong fleet featuring former winners, diverse international entries and a highly competitive two-handed division is already building for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with just 99 days to go until the 78th edition of the historic race on Boxing Day.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, organiser of the 628 nautical mile classic, has welcomed 66 entrants to date.

The fleet features six international boats - from Hong Kong (Antipodes and SHK Scallywag), New Caledonia (Eye Candy), New Zealand (Niksen), Germany (Rockall 8) and the USA (Lenny). Of the 60 Australian entrants, 28 are from NSW, twelve from Victoria, thirteen from Queensland, four from Tasmania, one from South Australia and two from Western Australia.

Sam Hayne's TP52 Celestial, Overall Winner of the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart and 2nd in 2021, is also expected back to contest for one of the most prestigious trophies in offshore racing - the Tattersall Cup.

Four 100-foot maxis have signed on. John Winning Jr returns to defend his 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Line Honours victory on four-time winner and race record holder Andoo Comanche. Christian Beck's JK 100 LawConnect has been runner-up in the past three races (2019 as InfoTrack/2021/2022) and was Line Honours winner as Perpetual LOYAL in 2016. Sun Hung Kai's RHKYC entry SHK Scallywag is back after finishing 3rd under David Witt in 2021, and Grant Wharington's Wild Thing 100 (formerly Stefan Racing 80) has had 20 feet added and will race for the first time as a 100-footer. It is shaping up to be a hotly contested John H Illingworth Challenge Cup.

Two-handed entrants once again look to make up around 20% of the fleet with ten entries already received. The likes of Chris O'Neill's J/99 Blue Planet, Peter Elkington's Young 11 Pacman and Anthony Hammond's Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 Maverick, (2018 Melbourne-Osaka winner under Rod Smallman), return to the Rolex Sydney Hobart to join a varied list of newcomers.

Arthur Lane, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, said:

"We are encouraged by the number of entries received for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart so far and are expecting another strong fleet to line up on Boxing Day for the 78th edition. Once again, there has been significant global interest in the race and we are pleased to see representation from all across Australia.

"The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia warmly thanks Rolex for its ongoing support of sailing and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as well as our many other race partners who make it possible."

Some of the notable boats competing in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart are:

  • Andoo Comanche: John Winning Jr's chartered VPLP/Verdier 100 has won Line Honours four times (2015/2017/2019/2022) and holds the current race record.
  • Alive: Phillip Turner's Reichel Pugh 66 holds the current monohull race record for the Rolex China Sea Race and was the Overall winner of the 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
  • LawConnect: Christian Beck's 100-footer was second over the line in 2022 for the third consecutive time and won Line Honours for Anthony Bell as Perpetual LOYAL in 2016.
  • Love & War: Simon Kurts' perennial S&S 47 has won the Sydney Hobart race Overall on three occasions (1974/1978/2006) and is always in consideration when the conditions favour smaller boats.
  • Pacman: Peter Elkington's Young 11 from Queensland was 3rd in the Two-Handed IRC Division in 2022 and 2nd in Division 3 Overall.
  • SHK Scallywag: Sun Hung Kai's Hong-Kon based maxi was 3rd on Line Honours in 2021.
  • Smuggler: Sebastian Bohm's TP52 placed 6th Overall in 2021 and 9th in 2022 and won the 2018 Ponant Sydney Noumea Race. One of several TP52s expected to feature.
  • URM Group: Anthony Johnston's Reichel Pugh 72 recently won the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and finished 3rd in IRC Division 0 in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Visit the Rolex Sydney Hobart website to view the full fleet.

Entries for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart close at 1700hrs on Friday 27 October 2023.

Related Articles

Packing for a Summer Sailing Weekend
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time, particularly when you're out on the water. The day may start windless, with a little dew on the ground, but a sea breeze can pick up in the afternoon. Posted on 1 Jul Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
Drama right to the end in her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina. Posted on 1 Jul New Zero Weight 2-in-1 Shorts from Henri-Lloyd
When the weather's hot, there's nothing better to keep you cool on or off the water When the weather's hot, there's nothing better than Henri-Lloyd's Zero Weight 2-in-1 shorts to keep you cool on or off the water. Posted on 30 Jun Barton Marine Partners with Amarcord Marine
To Distribute Product Range in Hungary Barton Marine continues to expand its distribution network through the appointment of Amarcord Marine Ltd in Hungary. Amarcord Marine is the sister company of Galco Yachting Ropes, a well-established family-owned manufacturer. Posted on 30 Jun Preparing my boat for crossing the Atlantic
Nico takes you aboard Sine Finis, revealing essential steps in preparation for an ocean crossing Sailboats navigate through harsh environments, saltwater, waves, wind, and high forces, sometimes violent. Whether sailing for an hour or preparing for an ocean crossing, ensuring my boat is ready and well-equipped is always a priority. Posted on 30 Jun Grand Soleil 65 Performance
A new chapter in the Plus line Following the success of the Long Cruise version, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sportier evolution of a model already celebrated for its elegance, build quality, and onboard comfort. Posted on 29 Jun Project FEAR is in the final few days
Charity circumnavigation almost over, in record time, with a record total raised Jazz Turner is expected to reach home (Brighton Marina) on Monday 30th June or Tuesday 1st July. She has sailed round the British Isles - all round Ireland and the Shetland Islands - without any assistance in 27 days so far. Posted on 28 Jun Royal Thames YC 250th Anniversary Thames Pageant
24 RTYC member vessels are set to converge on the tidal Thames and form a flotilla through London London's Royal Thames Yacht Club will mark a very special anniversary at St Katharine Docks this month. Celebrating its 250th anniversary, 24 RTYC member vessels are set to converge on the tidal Thames and form a flotilla through London. Posted on 27 Jun Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show returns
Heritage crafts take centre stage The Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show returns this summer for the first time since the Covid pandemic and its newest attraction - The Heritage Boat Building Centre - has already been extended to accommodate demand from boatbuilders and other exhibitors. Posted on 26 Jun Craig Wood Makes History
The first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Craig is the first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific, completing the 7506nm journey from Mexico to Japan in 90 days. Posted on 26 Jun
Barton Marine Pipe GlandsMarine Products Direct 2023 - Calypso FOOTERExposure Marine
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2025 Sail-World Cruising Northern Hemisphere and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy