Mark Ayto will be joined by his son Oscar for the 80^th Rolex Sydney Hobart. Ayto purchased this S&S 34, Western Morning, the first S&S 34 built, retaining her name and sail number. This reliable design contested her only Sydney Hobart in 1978 and finished 18^th overall for her then Victorian owners, following some good performances in ocean races.

She was first overall in the 1977 Bass Strait circuit, including second overall in the Queenscliff-Devonport. Ayto’s first major race with Western Morning was the 2025 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race and he finished 22^nd overall in unsuitable light winds.

Ayto is best known for sailing the Hobart on Quetzalcoatl, along with Anto Sweetapple, who is on the crew this year. Ayto is hoping for a bit of a blow, as that will get the best out of his yacht.