Home Countdown Begins for the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Countdown Begins for the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Entries are now open for the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as international crews prepare for another edition of the iconic offshore sailing classic.

May 27, 2026

byMFuaad Williams

The countdown to the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is officially underway, with entries now open for one of the world’s most prestigious offshore sailing events. Organisers, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in partnership with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, are encouraging sailors from around the world — from seasoned veterans to first-time competitors — to register early for the iconic race from Sydney to Hobart. Following the success of the 80th edition in 2025, which attracted 128 yachts to the starting line, expectations are already building for another highly competitive and internationally followed event in 2026.

Widely known as the “Great Race South,” the Sydney Hobart first began in 1945 with just nine yachts and has since grown into one of the most respected and demanding offshore races in the world. Covering 628 nautical miles, the race tests crews against some of the toughest ocean conditions while delivering spectacular scenery unique to the Australian coastline. Beyond the competition itself, sailors continue to return year after year for the camaraderie, tradition and unforgettable experience that comes with completing the famous journey south.

CYCA Commodore Dr Sam Haynes, who has competed in 15 Sydney Hobarts and claimed Overall victory twice aboard Celestial, said excitement is already growing for the 81st edition of the race. Haynes described the Rolex Sydney Hobart as one of the great sporting events in the world, combining elite offshore racing with a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the water in Sydney and Hobart alike.

The 2025 race produced one of the most historic moments in the event’s history when Jiang Lin and French co-skipper Alexis Loison claimed the Overall win aboard Min River. Their victory marked the first time a Double Handed crew had won the coveted George Adams Tattersall Cup since the division was introduced in 2021, while Lin also became the first woman owner-skipper to win the race Overall. Her achievement is expected to inspire even greater participation in the growing Double Handed category, which has rapidly become one of the most exciting divisions in the race.

Race organisers are anticipating strong international interest once again after 16 overseas entries competed in 2025. Among them was standout performer BNC – my::NET / LEON, sailed by New Caledonian co-skippers Michel Quintin and Yann Rigal. Another major talking point was the debut of the 88-footer Lucky, owned by American sailor Bryon Ehrhart, which arrived in Sydney after an impressive international campaign and finished fourth on Line Honours behind Master Lock Comanche.

Women’s participation also remains a major focus for organisers heading into 2026. In 2025, women made up 12 percent of competitors, with Elizabeth Tucker leading an all-female crew aboard First Light. The team claimed the Barbarian Trophy as the first all-women crewed yacht on IRC and used the moment to encourage more women to enter offshore sailing at the highest level in future editions of the race.

Attention will once again turn to the battle among the super maxis, one of the race’s biggest attractions for fans around the world. Last year’s race featured a record six 100-foot yachts, including Master Lock Comanche, LawConnect, SHK Scallywag 100, Palm Beach XI, Wild Thing 100 and Maritimo 100. Palm Beach XI, formerly known as Wild Oats XI, is expected to return in 2026 after undergoing further development, while Comanche is set to race again under the command of veteran skipper Anthony Bell. Organisers are already predicting another fierce contest for Line Honours when the fleet sets sail from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day.

Entries for the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remain open until 5pm on Friday, 23 October, as crews from Australia and around the world begin preparations for another chapter in one of sailing’s most celebrated events.

May 27, 2026

byMFuaad Williams