The 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race set sail from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, drawing eager spectators and 104 competing yachts to experience one of the world’s most iconic ocean races. This year, the excitement is heightened as the fleet prepares to tackle challenging conditions expected over the course of the race.
First held in 1945, the race began as a spontaneous idea among sailors returning from World War II. According to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), it was initiated after Captain John Illingworth proposed, "I will, if you make a race of it," during discussions among members of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). What started with just nine yachts has ballooned over the decades; this year marks the 79th running of the event, which has solidified its status as one of the toughest and most respected yacht races globally.
The race spans 628 nautical miles (1,163 kilometers), starting from Sydney Harbour and weaving down the southeast coast of Australia, across Bass Strait, and finally up the River Derwent to the finish line at Hobart. Initial forecasts suggested relatively mild conditions for the start, but as the race progresses, stormy weather is anticipated, complicity increasing the challenge for the crews.
With the race firing off at 1 PM AEDT, competitors jockeyed for position just moments before the start, as excitement built among the packed spectator fleet. Organizers set two starting lines, one for larger yachts and another for smaller vessels. "Things get quite hectic on the water at the start," as one organizer noted, emphasizing safety and strategy along with immediate competitiveness.
Among the competitors this year, LawConnect, the defending champion, aims to retain its title against stiff competition from Master Lock Comanche and Wild Thing 100, with the former identified as the race favorite. These maxi yachts are equipped for speed and strategy, ready to embrace the challenges out at sea. The stakes aren’t just glory; the first boat to finish earns the coveted John H Illingworth Challenge Cup, but the race’s overall winner receives the Tattersall Cup, highlighting the importance of sailing skill and tactical prowess.
"Weather conditions will dictate everything," echoed Master Lock Comanche co-skipper Matt Allen. With forecasts predicting strong-to-gale-force winds and big waves overnight, the yachts will need to navigate treacherous waters. Spectators are drawn to Sydney’s coast, which is expected to be crowded with boats hoping to catch glimpses of the competing yachts racing toward Hobart.
Despite the race’s reputation for attracting affluent individuals and their luxurious vessels, this year's fleet is comprised of both rich yachts and humble entrants. While the cost of participating can skyrocket—modern yachts may cost millions—many amateur sailors are fueled by the challenge itself over monetary gain. According to reports, some yachtsmen are respected sailors and are often joined by first-timers, as businesses routinely sponsor competitive racers by inviting employees for unique experiences at sea.
Renee Illich, who recently took up sailing, is experiencing the race aboard LawConnect. Her role on the yacht will largely support professional sailors, as she learns the ropes (literally) alongside her experienced crew. "Our role is to support the crew, probably more in a non-sailing capacity... Making sure they've got food and coffee," she shared.
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is not just demanding due to its distances and weather; it’s also steeped in tradition and tinged with history. After the tragic 1998 race where six sailors lost their lives, regulations were instituted to boost safety, manding 50% of crews to have completed survival training. This emphasis on safety highlights the inherent risks of the event, which attracts seasoned competitors and novices alike.
Among the vessels, the variety showcases the spirit of adventure and challenge: yachts like BACCHANAL, DISKO TROOPER, and LORD JIMINY add to the competitive mix. Some crews are composed of families across generations, embracing the shared passion for sailing. If completed, the Crafoord family could become one of four to see three generations cross the finish line at Hobart.
Returning to this year’s race excitement, conditions on the water are expected to vary sharply as soon as the racers cross Sydney Heads and head to open seas. By the time the fastest yachts reach the River Derwent, the prevailing wind could very well dictate the outcome, making the final stretch just as intense as the race's start. Last year, LawConnect captured the line honors by just 51 seconds, marking one of the closest finishes ever.
Without doubt, the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race promises competition, spectacle, and memorable experiences for all involved. Sailors will push their limits and test their skills against one another and the elements as spectators revel in the excitement and uncertainty of one of Australia’s most cherished sailing traditions.
