Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Overview
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is arguably the most prestigious and toughest ocean yacht race in the world. Described as the Everest of sailing, this 628-mile ocean race is a must for any offshore sailor, or for anybody who loves a challenge.
The Sydney Hobart yacht race is not for the faint-hearted!
The race programme
The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an occasion as much as it is a race. Each Boxing Day, 26th December, a flotilla of sleek yachts races out of Sydney Harbour, following Australia’s east coast down to Tasmania, where the yachts arrive in the city of Hobart in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. This race is about more than sails and speed – it brings Sydney and Hobart to life as they celebrate one of the country’s great sporting events.
The race is a superb test of seamanship, skill, tactics, and endurance. 100% commitment to the team and the yacht is essential. As with all events of this nature, the sense of achievement upon completion is immense.
The team here at Flying Fish love the race, we have completed every race since 2008. We welcome individuals or teams to join us on this fabulous race campaign.
Our Racing yacht
You will race on Team Flying Fish’s yacht ARCTOS, a strong and powerful cutter-rigged McIntyre 55. ARCTOS has circumnavigated the Southern Ocean and completed many Sydney to Hobart races. The key to success in an event like this is preparation, and the Flying Fish package is designed to ensure that the crew and the boat are fully prepared for the challenge. We have had great success in the Sydney to Hobart race and we are going to push hard for the same result this year!
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with Flying Fish from Flying Fish Sail
Inclusions
- 1,000 sea miles logged
- RYA qualifying passages
- ISAF Category 1 racing experience
- Accommodation and meals on board the yacht during the race and the overnight qualifying passage.
- Safety equipment, tuition, and publications.
- Accommodation is available on board the yacht in the marina at Middle Harbour Yacht Club during the training week and on arrival in Hobart but food is not provided. All customers need to depart the yacht in Hobart at 10:00 am on the 2nd January at the latest
Book your own shore-based accommodation in Sydney and Hobart for a more comfortable experience.
Return travel to Sydney after the race is not included.
Dates & pricing
| Starts | Ends | Location(s) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/12/2023 | 02/01/2024 | Sydney, Australia | Available | |
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Pre-requisite experience and qualifications
We recommend that all customers have some offshore sailing experience.
Where possible we like all crew to have completed
- ISAF category 1 offshore race
- ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course within the last 5 years
All crew are required to secure travel insurance for the duration of the event.
Full itinerary
Week 1
Our programme starts with four days of skills and drills on Sydney harbour. This focuses on safety, yacht preparation, yacht handling, race, and role allocation. We practice spinnaker handling and racing techniques, heavy weather tactics, sail changes, watch systems, and navigation.
Next, you complete a 24-hour offshore qualifying passage which is a requirement of the race organisers, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are days off, then it’s up early on Boxing Day for the spectacular start on Sydney Harbour.
Week 2 – Sydney to Hobart yacht race
The Race
We start on Boxing day. The fleet sails out of Sydney Harbour, turning right heading South into the Tasman Sea, searching for the warm current going South along the Australia coast. You head out across the famous Bass Strait and down the beautiful east coast of Tasmania.
At Tasman Island, the course takes a right turn into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the finish line at Constitution Dock – and a magnificent welcome and a cold beer in the historic port of Hobart.
We expect to arrive at Constitution dock in Hobart in good time for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Tasmania’s best party of the year.
Related courses
Completion of the ISAF Safety Course, and the RYA Competent Crew course, are required for crew wishing to join this race.