Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Breaking News

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 official film broadcast on Sun 1st Feb at 3.30pm, Seven Network

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:23:00 +1000

The official film of the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be shown on the Seven Network this Sunday,1 February, at 3.30pm.

Purchase the Rolex Sydney Hobart start DVD

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +1000

Milestone Race, Overall Winners Announced

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 17:20:00 +1000

The 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart has been a milestone with a high-quality fleet of 100 boats including eleven overseas entries, an unexpectedly close line honours battle at the head of the fleet between the maxis Wild Oats XI and Skandia and four of the sensationally fast downwind TP52s filling the first four placings overall on handicap.

1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Remembered

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:16:00 +1000

Threatening skies complemented a sombre mood as skippers, crews and volunteers gathered together dockside to pay tribute to the six sailors who have lost their lives during the Sydney to Hobart ocean racing classic ten years ago

Remembrance before celebration

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:19:00 +1000

The traditional dockside presentation of the Tattersall's Cup to the overall handicap winner and battle flags to the divisional winners of the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart was a moving occasion, preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony and a minute's silence to mark the tenth anniversary of the tragic 1998 race in which six sailors lost their lives

Back on the Road Again

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:50:00 +1000

For One for the Road skipper Kym Butler and his son, Anthony, finishing the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race was a momentous and emotional occasion, for more than one reason.

Last Yachts to Finish Before New Year's Eve Celebrations are in Full Swing

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:02:00 +1000

The final two yachts sailing in the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart are expected to enjoy the rarity of a New Year celebration on dry land.

Calm Between the Storms

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:13:00 +1000

An eerie calm in Bass Strait and light and variable winds along the Tasmanian coast split the smaller and slower boats in the Rolex Sydney Hobart race fleet from the fast-finishing 50 to 55 footers, which have dominated the overall corrected time placings

At 86 racing to Hobart is a piece of cake

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:02:00 +1000

As Impeccable motored quietly to its berth in Hobart a media scrum teetered on the narrow quay, for this was an important moment. CYCA Commodore Matt Allen was on hand to present a cake to John Walker, at 86 the oldest skipper ever in the history of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, to mark his, and the boat's, 25th race.

The resurrection of Valheru

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:51:00 +1000

After crossing the line at 7.39pm on Monday evening, skipper and crew celebrated being the first Tasmanian yacht to finish this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart. In fact, Lyall believes that just finishing the race is the biggest challenge. "If you win anything then that is a bonus," said the weather-beaten skipper.

Dutchman will come back despite the Derwent

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:39:00 +1000

"It was beautiful," said Atse Blei. owner of Pinta-M. "It was obviously not what we came for so we may have to do it again. It was a good race and very enjoyable. It is a lot better than the Fastnet. More tactical. Yeah, I'll leave the boat here and do it again. "

Shogun disqualified; Ragtime, Telcoinabox Merit granted redress

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:34:00 +1000

The International Jury also heard applications for redress from Ragtime and Telcoinabox Merit, after both yachts provided assistance in the successful rescue of Georgia crew members from their stricken yacht.

Monday Evening in Hobart

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +1000

By 6pm on Monday evening 30 of the 94 remaining competitors in the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008 had arrived in Hobart.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:30:00 +1000

Long-time Sydney ocean-racing campaigner Bob Steel, in a sentimental return to the Rolex Sydney Hobart after a five-year break, has won the race's major prize, the Tattersall's Cup, for the overall handicap winner, for the second time with a yacht named Quest.

Seven commercial skippers to the rescue

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:00 +1000

For those in peril at sea, it is comforting to know that people like Leo Rodriguez and his "motley" crew aboard Telcoinabox Merit are at hand. When the Victorian Farr 53 Georgia lost its rudder and began sinking on the first night off Batemans Bay, Telcoinabox Merit, the former Volvo 60 now based at Airlie Beach in Queensland, was two miles in front of her.

Helsal III reaches Triabunna after retiring from the race

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:30:00 +1000

The Tasmanian retiree in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Helsal III, has reached Triabunna despite a damaged rudder and will not resume racing.

Recommended Protocol for Yachts returning from Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:35:00 +1000

Elementary, My Dear Watson

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +1000

Sailing in his fourth Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, 35-year-old Kirk Watson was handed the helm by skipper of Sailors with Disabilities, David Pescud, to sail the yacht across the Castray Esplanade finishing line in 25th place overall today.

Bob Steel wins his second Rolex Sydney Hobart

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:09:00 +1000

One of Sydney's most successful yachtsmen, Bob Steel, today completed a rare double in the history of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race when his latest Quest was declared the overall winner of the 2008 race, the winner on corrected time.

Flying Fifties Find It Fast And Furious

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:29:00 +1000

Strong WNW winds off the Tasmanian coast last night and a northwesterly reaching gale force in the Derwent River today blew the 50-55ft boats home to dominate the provisional handicap placings in IRC Division 0 and Division 1 of the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart

Close up and personal

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +1000

Nearly half the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet, more than 40 boats, are locked in battle this evening, east of Flinders Island, a long way out to sea and battening down the hatches as strong winds continue.

It's not the size, just feel the quality

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:10:00 +1000

Sydney yachtsman Bob Steel may be on the verge of his second overall win in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Six years after winning the race on corrected time with a previous Quest, Steel now has a nervous night's wait to see if he has won again.

Imperious Oats

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +1000

Wild Oats XI strode majestically up the Derwent River this morning to beat Skandia by one hour seven minutes and score a record fourth consecutive line honours victory in the Rolex Sydney Hobart after one of the best tactical battles seen at the head of the fleet in the race's 64-year history.

The shark that ate Skandia

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:00:00 +1000

In the end it seemed that everything had gone to plan. Before the race Wild Oats XI had been at unbackable odds to win line honours. The bar room drum was that all she had to do was show up to win. In reality, though, Wild Oats XI had to fight a determined Skandia from behind, and may owe her victory to a very battered and bruised shark.

11th hour battle for the Tattersall's Cup glory

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:34:00 +1000

Three TP52s are in the top six places, with Bob Steel's Quest in first place, the indomitable Syd Fischer sailing his 40th Hobart race with his latest Ragamuffin snapping at Quest's transom in second and Alan Whiteley's Victorian sister to those two boats, Cougar II, in sixth place

Skandia finishes second after valiant fight

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:13:00 +1000

Skandia, the line honours winner of the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart, had led the race for most of yesterday until being overhauled by Wild Oats Xl towards nightfall when they parked up in no breeze twice, finally relinquishing their hard fought lead to Wild Oats XI.

Wild Oats XI takes record fourth consecutive line honours win

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:13:00 +1000

Wild Oats XI has lived up to its pre-race expectations and at 0934, 14secs AEST this morning sailed into the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race history books. Wild Oats XI finsihed with an elapsed time of 1 day 20 hours 34 minutes and 14 seconds.

Wild Oats XI heading into the history books

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:49:00 +1000

The crew on the 30m maxi Wild Oats XI look likely to get their dream finish in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart after all. Grant Wharington's former overall winner Skandia stole the limelight yesterday but this morning she trails Wild Oats XI by 15 nautical miles on approach to Tasman Island.

The shark factor enters the Rolex Sydney Hobart equation

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:00:00 +1000

Wild Oats XI has confirmed that it hit a two-metre long shark at 6.40 pm tonight while sailing at about 20 knots east of Schouten Island on Tasmania's east coast and while engaged in a tense match race with the other maxi in the Rolex Sydney Hobart race fleet,Grant Wharington's Skandia.

Skandia in site of line honours win

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:35:00 +1000

Grant Wharington's Skandia is causing quite an upset in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008, surprising everyone by leading arch rival Wild Oats XI in the quest for line honours victory.

Quotes from the fleet

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:29:00 +1000

"We ended up being last boat out of the harbour, but this probably not surprising because we are not as light as the others and have a lot of equipment the others do not carry - ice axes and bikes for example."

Cougar II stalks the ultimate prize

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:46:00 +1000

For the true believers, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 is not the heavy weight contest at the front of the fleet. This year it's the tight competition among the 50-footers for the ultimate prize, the Tattersall's Cup, for the winner on corrected time.

Gripping arm wrestle in Bass Strait

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:25:00 +1000

Far from a procession, the two maxis have been locked in a tense match race all day, with the advantage swinging from one to the other.

Mixed Overnight Fortunes

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:00:00 +1000

It has been a mixed night for some of the favorites over the past 12 hours, with some gaining ground and other leaving themselves with a mountain to climb today to get back into contention.

Sanyo Maris retires, Georgia update

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +1000

Twelve hours into the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and 25 miles off Jervis Bay Ian Kiernan's stunning Tasman Seabird Sanyo Maris retired from the 628 nautical mile race with a broken goose neck.

Skandia Spoiling Oats' Parade

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:31:00 +1000

The four year older Skandia continued to lead her supercharged rival Wild Oats XI at the head of the Rolex Sydney Hobart fleet today, confounding all pre-race predictions including those of her skipper Grant Wharington

Race Update - Saturday 27 December 2008, 0630 AEDT

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:42:00 +1000

As the two canting-keeled maxis Wild Oats XI (Bob Oatley) and Skandia (Grant Wharington) swapped the lead overnight as the Rolex Sydney Hobart pace slowed with the nor'easter fading along the south coast of New South Wales, drama was unfolding further back in the fleet.

Race leaders enter Bass Strait

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:31:00 +1000

For most of yesterday the top six boats in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race chewed up the miles, the 30 metre maxis peaking at 20 knots of boat speed before the winds lightened off considerably just before midnight. This morning, frontrunners Wild Oats XI and Skandia are virtually side by side, but are off record pace.

Fourteen Crew Successfully Rescued From Stricken Yacht

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:31:00 +1000

At approximately 21:20 hrs, 32 miles south east of Point Perpendicular, a mayday call was issued from the yacht Georgia, a Farr 53 owned by Graeme Ainley and John Williams from Sandringham Yacht Club, as a result of losing her rudder and taking on water.

Lead yachts setting breakneck pace

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:20:00 +1000

"This is the most comfortable first night we've ever had," is how 26 Rolex Sydney Hobart race veteran Bruce Taylor summed up life on board his IRC 40 Chutzpah this afternoon.

Wild Oats XI and Skandia lead fleet after perfect start

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:53:00 +1000

In a 12 knot nor'easterly breeze and with the drone of a dozen helicopters overhead, the huge fleet made allowance for the outgoing tide and managed a clean start from both lines with Wild Oats XI charging to Sydney Heads in clear air ahead of Grant Wharington's former line honours winner Skandia.

Fast and hard

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:58:00 +1000

The latest weather forecasts suggest the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart will be a quick one.

Ragtime rocks

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:04:00 +1000

There is only one American entry in the Rolex Sydney Hobart this year, Chris Welsh' Spencer 65 Ragtime, but it really is a case of quality before quantity. This is one of the most accomplished racing yachts of all time. She is drop dead gorgeous, too.

A fast friendly race to Hobart

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:59:00 +1000

The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed early predictions of fresh northerly winds over the first two days of the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008, ensuring the sailors a fast, thoroughly enjoyable ride to Tasmania.

Everest of yachting lures international sailors

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:05:00 +1000

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race's reputation as one of the toughest ocean races in the world continues to lure sailors from all parts of the globe

Hell Sal, it's just a race

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:49:00 +1000

Three days out from the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart and all is relaxed on board Helsal IV. Skipper Sally Smith is in the cockpit comfortably chatting with family and a couple of the crew, a raging nor-easter is blocked by the big spray dodger and awning.

Size matters to Shorty

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:12:00 +1000

For a bloke that sells boats to other people for a living Andrew 'Shorty' Short seems to have enormous difficulty keeping his own cheque book at bay. He's a sucker for a big, sexy money-hole in the water provided it goes fast, fast, fast.

45 years in grand company

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:08:00 +1000

On Boxing Day a cheery, unassuming bloke with an impish sense of humour will pass an extraordinary milestone. Tony Cable will cross the start line for his 45th race to Hobart.

Express run to Hobart forecast

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:13:00 +1000

The NSW Bureau of Meteorology's early weather forecast is predicting ideal fast sailing conditions for at least the first two days of the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008

Timely reminder that safety matters

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:46:00 +1000

With less than a week to go before the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008, the mostly young crew of the Volvo 60 Getaway-Sailing.com had a sharp reminder of just how important and how difficult in practice safety at sea can be.

Ichi Ban due back on the water by Tuesday

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:40:00 +1000

Following the drama fuelled events in today's Rolex Trophy passage race, CYCA Commodore and owner Matt Allen is breathing a sigh of relief. After sustaining damage to the daggerboard, Ichi Ban went to the super yacht marina in Rozelle to have the damage inspected properly.

Drama for CYCA Commodore Matt Allen in Rolex Trophy Passage Race

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +1000

In a 20-25 knot sou'east breeze, CYCA Commodore Matt Allen's Jones 70 Ichi Ban had its Rolex Trophy Passage Race to Botany Bay cut short after sustaining damage to one dagger board just six days out from the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Skippers Head Downtown

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:22:00 +1000

The 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race sailed onto the harbour-side doorstep of the Sydney Central Business District today with a group of prominent skippers and sailors engaged in a press conference preview amid lunchtime strollers outside the historic Customs House at Circular Quay.

Loki Launched, Living Doll Looking Likely

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:04:00 +1000

Today an excited and relieved Stephen Ainsworth joined with his wife Nannette as she poured champagne over the bow of their brand new Reichel/Pugh 63, Loki, to christen the boat in the traditional way just before it was launched at Woolwich Dock.

Russian maxi officially withdrawn from the Rolex Sydney Hobart; Limit leaves Melbourne

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +1000

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was today advised by Aussie skipper Mark McRae that the Russian Open 85, Trading Network / Alye Parusa was being officially withdrawn from the Rolex Sydney Hobart starting list.

Living Doll's living nightmare

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 16:47:00 +1000

Michael Hiatt's brand new Victorian Farr 55 Living Doll was club racing last Saturday on Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay when the breeze freshened to 20 knots. Hiatt's crew bore away then heard a loud bang, which they initially thought was the forestay breaking. Instead they found their 23 metre tall mast had compressed 100mm at the deck.

Hurry-Less than 8 hours left to bid in the CYCA SOLAS Big Boat Challenge EBay Auction!

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +1000

The exclusive opportunity to bid for a place on one of Australia's best known ocean racing thoroughbreds for charity closes today. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has listed guest places on Wild Oats XI, Skandia, Ichi Ban and Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 for its SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 16 December 2008. Bidding closes at 5pm AEST on 8 December

Russian maxi out of the Rolex Sydney Hobart

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:23:00 +1000

Mark McRae, Australian skipper of the Russian maxi Trading Network / Alye Parusa, admits he's shell shocked after learning that a new keel will take 14 days to build, putting the Open 85 out of contention for this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Final Sail for Two Sydney Hobart Winning Skippers of the 1960s

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:15:00 +1000

Two renowned NSW yachtsmen and Sydney Hobart Yacht Race winning skippers in the 1950s and 1960s, Graham Newland and Alby Burgin, have set sail for the final time.

One Month to Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Start

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:32:00 +1000

In exactly one month's time, Sydney Harbour will come alive as the second largest Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet in a decade sets off for the annual summer blue water classic.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Qualifier - Tasmanian Yachts Get Hard Work-out In Maria Island Race

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +1000

Line honours and provisional first place on IRC corrected time went to Bellerive Yacht Club member David Creese with his recently acquired Sydney 38 Creese Property, the former Sydney yacht Transfusion, with Rolex Sydney Hobart entrants She's the Culprit and Pisces placing second and third.

Russian maxi in doubt for Rolex Sydney Hobart

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:53:00 +1000

The skipper of the first Russian boat to enter the Rolex Sydney Hobart in almost 20 years is now racing the clock in Auckland, New Zealand, to have a new keel built after large cracks in the existing keel were discovered earlier this week.

ROLEX SPIRIT OF YACHTING BROADCAST ON NETWORK 7

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:05:00 +1000

Rolex Trophy Notice of Race now available

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:16:00 +1000

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to announce that the Notice of Race is now available for the Rolex Trophy.

Wild Oats XI breaks Cabbage Tree record by 35 minutes

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 15:59:00 +1000

Fleet of 113 nominated for Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 17:13:00 +1000

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is delighted to announce one of the largest fleets in a decade with 113 yachts nominated for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008, Australia's premier blue water event.

Shogun and Chutzpah star in Bass Strait qualifier

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 22:21:00 +1000

Victorian Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race nominations Shogun and Chutzpah have starred in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Bass Strait race from Melbourne to Stanley, the historic port town on the north-west coast of Tasmania, sailed over the weekend.

Sailing Icons Gain Backing for New Challenge with SeaHold Perie Banou II

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 13:09:00 +1000

Sailing legends Jon Sanders and David Dicks have entered the race to take home the Tattersall's Cup!

50 year old Maris wins Lord Howe - now for Hobart!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:39:00 +1000

In an historic ocean racing victory, Ian Kiernan's classic timber yacht Sanyo Maris has celebrated the 50th anniversary of her launching with an IRC handicap win in the 414 nautical mile Hempel 35th Gosford - Lord Howe Island Race.

Wild Oats XI hauled from airport hangar to begin Rolex Sydney Hobart quest

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:18:00 +1000

This morning in Sydney the 98-foot triple Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours winner Wild Oats XI was taken out of moth balls at Bankstown Airport, the first step in the crew's quest for a record fourth consecutive line honours win in the Boxing Day classic.

Classic yacht for Hobart to celebrate 50th birthday

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:14:00 +1000

The classic ocean racing yacht Sanyo Maris is coming out of retirement to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her launching - by competing in two of Australia's toughest races, the Hempel 35th Gosford - Lord Howe Island Yacht Race and the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Tasmanian Seafarers Memorial recalls 1998 tragedy

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:59:00 +1000

Dozens of fishing trawlers and a few yachts and motor cruisers lined the wharves in the small fishing village of Triabunna, on the East Coast of Tasmania, last weekend as yacht club commodores, naval officers and civic leaders joined locals and tourists for a moving commemorative service on the waterfront.

Applications flooding in for Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:16:00 +1000

Six weeks after the Applications for Entry opened for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008, applications for entry have been flooding in with the receipt of the fiftieth entry today. Race Organisers are now anticipating a bumper fleet of over 100 yachts.

Olin Stephens' great contribution to Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:24:00 +1000

First South Australian entry for 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:19:00 +1000

Owner/skipper Dr Gary Shanks says the time is right for a ninth family-based race campaign for the legendary 628 mile race on Boxing Day. As a single boat, Rager is the most prolific South Australian race entrant in Australia's premier blue water yachting event.

First applications for Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:09:00 +1000

Within hours of the release of the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008 Notice of Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia had received its first applications for entry and now has climbed to 13, already surpassing the number of entries received this time last year.

64th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Notice of Race and application for entry now available

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:38:00 +1000

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the organising authority for the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and Rolex SA of Geneva, the naming rights sponsor of Australia's premier blue water ocean classic, are pleased to announce the release of the Notice of Race and invite owners and skippers to apply for entry.