The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race offered both triumph and sorrow during its official prizegiving ceremony held on December 26, 2024, at Hobart, Tasmania. This edition of the prestigious race was defined by tragedy, as the sailing community gathered to honor the memory of two sailors, Roy Quaden and Nick Smith, who lost their lives during the race’s first night. The memorial service preceding the awards was a poignant moment reminding all present of the risks embedded within offshore racing.
The overall race winner, Celestial V70, and the line honors victor, LawConnect, were the highlights of this year’s event, showcasing not only skill but resilience amid harrowing conditions. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), which orchestrated the race, handled the incidents involving the lost sailors with professionalism and sensitivity, ensuring the remaining fleet could continue with safety throughout the course.
This 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart unveiled contrasting weather environments. The race began under brilliant Sydney sunshine before unrelenting sea states challenged competitors along the New South Wales coast. A significant weather transition added complications as many crews struggled to navigate through the Tasman Island approach, relying on favorable winds to carry their yachts swiftly.
"The Rolex Sydney Hobart is the only race in the world with four distinct races embedded within one competition!" remarked one competitor, reflecting the unique challenges of this storied event.
Of the 104 yachts starting the prestigious contest, 74 successfully completed the course, leaving 30 to retire primarily due to equipment failures—a common challenge faced by sailors racing offshore. By the close of racing, six crews were still attempting to finish the race, leaving many steadfastly battling against all odds.
The forecast preceding the race hinted at favorable conditions for larger vessels, which proved to be correct. Celestial V70, skippered by Dr. Sam Haynes, who also was the CYCA’s acting Commodore, outperformed rivals by achieving fast runs complemented by optimal boat design. Dr. Haynes celebrates this victory as his second within three years, cementing his status among sailing elite with his team's superb campaign and adaptability to the race's mesmeric challenges.
“We are excited to be winners of the Tattersall Cup for the second time. We had a boat which was ideal for the conditions, and it gave us a historic win,” Dr. Haynes stated. He emphasized the synergy within his talented 15-strong crew, including tactician Robert Greenhalgh, who boasts four Rolex Sydney Hobart victories from five attempts. It was clear his crew's teamwork played equally as pivotal of a role as the boat itself.
Meanwhile, LawConnect, captained by Christian Beck, claimed line honors for the second consecutive year. The 100-foot racing maxi had proved its mettle against early challenges when chief rival Master Lock Comanche suffered early setbacks. Beck’s predominantly professional crew upheld the boat’s integrity until the finish line—highlighting their commitment through tumultuous challenges.
Mark Webber, the famed Australian racing driver and Rolex Testimonee, was on hand to celebrate the sailors' accomplishments on this formidable stage. He visited both the line honors and overall winning boats, articulately expressing how much the race signifies to the fabric of Australian sporting tradition. "This race means a lot and is full of tradition. Sailing is a very popular sport in Australia and always has been. To have such a prestigious and iconic event here is great. Rolex only associates itself with the best and toughest events in the world, and this is one of them," he remarked.
Rolex has been partnered with the Race and its organizers, the CYCA, since 2002, providing long-standing support for offshore disciplines in the sport.
This year, as the sailing community reflected on the spirited competition and the somber remembrance of the lost sailors, the anticipation heightened for the upcoming 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, set to commence on December 26, 2025. The legacy of this event continues to thrive, embodying both the challenges of nature and the indomitable spirit of the sailing community. The race remains integral to Australian culture and the international sailing calendar, inspiring generations of sailors to come.