Australian-Sailors Articles

A Boxing Day institution where grit meets ocean

The fleet — 129 boats of all sizes — carved a corridor through the swirling start line at Rushcutters Bay at 1300 on Boxing Day, bows pointed toward Hobart and hearts set on legend. From the outset it was clear this wouldn’t be a procession. Strong southerly winds, pounding swells and an unforgiving Bass Strait test meant the battle would be as much about staying in it as being fast. Nine

Salt on the wind, pressure underfoot, and 628 nautical miles of truth between Sydney and Hobart.

01-01-2026

80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has a new headline act

In classic east-coast conditions, Comanche powered her way up the NSW coastline and back, completing the 172-nautical-mile course in a provisional 14hrs 34mins 21secs. The final two miles, however, offered the sort of maddening calm that only ocean racing can produce — glassy water, postcard sunrise, absolutely zero wind. Comanche ghosted across the line, sails hanging limp but boat speed still good enough to secure another clinical Line Honours win.

30-12-2025

The 80th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Before the gun fires and the fleet charges south, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will pause this Boxing Day to look back — and do so in style. To mark the 80th edition of one of offshore sailing’s most revered contests, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia will stage a Parade of Sail, celebrating the founding fathers, the early boats, and the stories that shaped a race first sailed in 1945.

29-12-2025

Australian Superyacht Conference 2026

Australian Superyacht Conference Returns in 2026

New Sydney Venue, Fresh Format, and a Renewed Industry Focus A new chapter begins for Australia’s premier superyacht industry event

16-11-2025

80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: The Cat’s Out of the Bag — Haynes Returns for the 80th Anniversary Race

CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes Aims for a Third Overall Victory

When the cannons fire from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day 2025, all eyes will be on one familiar blue hull: Celestial V70. At the helm will be Sam Haynes, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), defending Rolex Sydney Hobart Overall Champion, and now chasing a historic third Tattersall Cup victory in what promises to be the most competitive edition of the race in decades.

16-10-2025

A New Chapter in Australia’s Offshore Racing Story

Few names in Australian sailing carry as much recognition as Sean Langman. With a career that spans everything from skiffs and classic restorations to maxis and modern offshore campaigns, Langman has built a reputation for versatility, ingenuity, and relentless competitiveness. He is a sailor who never backs down from a challenge, whether that means taking on the Rolex Sydney Hobart in a home-built skiff, or rebuilding older yachts and wringing every ounce of performance out of them.