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The XX Factor lives up to her name

Home 2025 The XX Factor lives up to her name

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As Janet Thornley’s XX Factor docked in Hobart after finishing the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race at 07.41.15 this morning, an all-female crew bar one, there were cheers and tears from aboard and from those who came to welcome them.

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For Thornley, an Adelaide doctor, her first Sydney Hobart was a culmination of hard work, training and money to achieve a long-held ambition. 

The goal was to provide a yacht to encourage women into sailing and ultimately into ocean racing. And this year, it became a reality. She was thrilled to hear that their finishing the race guaranteed that 11 of the 14 women owners and/or skippers taking part, finished the race, that only three were among the 34 retirements. 

Team XX Factor ahead of the race start - CYCA/Salty Dingo pic.

“We don’t push as hard as some of the guys do, but we made it here,” Thornley said. 

On board the otherwise all-female crew for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s race, was Thornley’s handy shipwright/sailing husband, Alan Dowler. Navigator and ‘Mr Fixit’ aboard, Dowler had no qualms about sailing with the women. In fact, he said, “I enjoyed it.”  

Dowler and Thornley on Boxing Day morning - CYCA/Eliza Kirby pic.

Thornley told how they lost the steering on her MBD 41, The XX Factor, between Cape Raoul and the Iron Pot on the way to the finish line. “We didn’t even notice it at first,” she said. “So the emergency steering was employed.” 

X marks the spot! - CYCA/Ashley Dart pic.

The South Australian yachtswoman described the hardest parts of their race: “We had pretty lively conditions last night. On the nose, constantly sailing in 20 to low 30s knots. The seas around Tasman Island were confused. Coming down waves and up and slamming down… 

“We knew the system was coming though, so we were ready with two reefs in the main and the No. 4 headsail.  

“The second night was the hardest. We had a lot of seasickness, including me. It felt like we were in survival mode. Last night was probably worse, but we were used to it by then and we had the finish in sight!” 

Aboard The XX Factor was another doctor, Brenda Cassidy, who ticked off the medical issues during the race: “Seasickness, concussion, rib injury, itches and rashes, a broken fingernail - from 19 X chromosomes and one Y chromosome!” 

A happy skipper - CYCA/Ashley Dart pic.

There was minimal boat damage. “The bolt rope on the main went, so we pulled into Eden and took the opportunity to repair, rest and have a hot meal. Alan stitched the main up,” Thornley said. 

“I discussed with the crew whether we would carry on in the race and the resounding answer was ‘YES!’  

“I’m glad we did. We got some nice downwind sailing. We used it to dry out, dry our clothes and enjoy some good sailing.” 

The dream team - CYCA/Ashley Dart pic.

When asked if she was proud of her achievement, Thornley, a regular at the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Melbourne said, “I’m proud of all of us – I’m proudest of how we pulled together as a team. 

“We’re not rich – we’re just everyday people. I haven’t had a holiday in years, it’s all gone into the boat and promoting and helping women in sailing,” Thornley said.  

“The ultimate was to do the race. Maybe we’ll do it as an all-women crew next year. I just need to make some adjustments to the boat to make it easier to sail. I’ll also look at adding some younger women, so we have a mix of older experience with young, fit women,” she ended. 

Di Pearson, RSHYR media