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She’s The Culprit Survives a Full-Throttle Hobart

Home 2025 She’s The Culprit Survives a Full-Throttle Hobart

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For Glenn Bulmer and the crew of She’s The Culprit, the Sydney Hobart delivered exactly what its reputation promises — and then some.

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Time & Date: 30/12/2025 – 1515 (98.2 hours after the start)  

 The DK43, co-owned by Bulmer with Glen Picasso, emerged from the race bruised, sore, and satisfied after a journey that tested both boat and crew to their limits. With only four to five months together as a unit on their latest She’s The Culprit, all were still finding their rhythm when the fleet plunged into the Southern Ocean’s unforgiving moods. 

“The race itself had everything for us,” Bulmer said dockside. “At one stage we were running forward in our division and doing really, really well. But with a new crew and a boat we’re still learning, a few mistakes crept in. It was very hard and very challenging at times.” 

Those challenges arrived quickly in the form of heavy seas and punishing conditions. Like many crews in this year’s fleet, Bulmer admits there were moments when confidence wavered as the boat charged through towering waves. 

“It was the first time I’d had this boat out in really heavy conditions,” he said. “The noises were completely foreign. You’re looking at each other thinking, ‘Is this right, or is this wrong?’” 

One downwind moment stands out. A wave picked the DK43 up at speed, and for a split second, Bulmer thought the race — and possibly the boat — was about to end violently. 

“I honestly thought we were going to go nose over toe,” he said. “I thought, ‘Here we go, we’re in good trouble.’ But it held up. The boat was great.” 

The same could not always be said for the crew’s bodies. With most of the team aged over 60, the 80th race exacted a physical toll. Bulmer, 66, was still working the bow as the seas slammed the yacht. 

“There were bruises everywhere,” he said. “A bit of seasickness, and a couple of the guys picked up some sort of flu. One of the crew we think has damaged ribs. But you can’t complain — the boat did its job. It was up to us to do ours.” 

Co-owner Picasso echoed that sentiment, describing the campaign as a classic Hobart experience. 

“It was everything you expect from the Sydney Hobart,” Picasso said. “It threw everything at us. The boat performed well, and the crew performed brilliantly.” 

Despite the knocks and the exhaustion, the question of returning is already lingering. 

“Will I be back? Probably,” said 15 Sydney Hobarts veteran Picasso, with a smile. “I’ll need a bit of time to recover and think about it. But the race always draws you back.” 

Steve Dettre/RSHYR media