Michael Tilden purchased Philosopher in May 2024 and set sail in the Rolex Sydney Hobart that year, retiring after dismasting near Jervis Bay.

Preparation this year included the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Race, in which she finished 24^th overall. Her previous owner, David Henry, raced the yacht fully crewed in 2021, but switched to double handed with Stephen Prince in 2022 and 2023, finishing fourth overall in the 2023 Sydney Gold Coast Race, wining Division 3 and taking the double handed crown.

Before that, the yacht was named The Philosopher's Club/Philosopher/Willie Smith’s Philosopher, under which she won and podiumed numerous times. This yacht has the goods, so it’s in the hands of the owner and crew to propel her to a favourable result in the 80^th race.