Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M50

Haynes pledges return to Rolex Sydney Hobart after triumph

by Rupert Guinness/RSHYR Media 29 Dec 2022 21:36 PST 26-31 December 2022
(L-R, foreground): Benoit Falletti, Managing Director of Rolex Australia; Sam Haynes, owner/skipper of Celestial; Arthur Lane, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia © Rolex / Andrea Francolini

Sam Haynes has pledged to return for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in a bid to defend his TP52 Celestial's title as the overall winner and holder of the Tattersall Cup.

Haynes made his pledge after receiving the prestigious Tattersall Cup and Rolex timepiece for winning this year's race, organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Haynes, Vice Commodore of the CYCA, and his crew was presented with the Cup and timepiece at the docks in Hobart this morning, as more crews continued to finish.

The Tattersall Cup was presented by CYCA Commodore, Arthur Lane, while the Rolex timepiece was presented by Rolex Australia Managing Director, Benoit Falletti.

"Every time I do this race I think I'm never going to do it again," said a smiling Haynes today.

"But yeah, we'll be back, I think... for sure. I mean, why wouldn't you? You know, it's a fantastic thing to do.

"We wanted to come back and try again, and we did. The family support to make that decision was incredibly important to me."

Haynes and his crew were not short of energy at the dockside presentation this morning.

Despite the rigours of a tough race and celebrations that began when Celestial's win was confirmed last night, they had the strength to embrace the occasion to the full.

After being presented with the Tattersall Cup and erupting into a chorus of cheers, the crew then threw Haynes from Celestial's bow into the cold water - as is tradition. Two crew members then followed suit.

"It's mind bending. It's a lifetime achievement really. I've been trying for this trophy for a long time. It's an awesome thing... a life changer," said Haynes after getting out of the water.

"From last year, I've been through a process to get to the stage where I'm actually holding the trophy. I couldn't really believe it until the announcement."

Haynes was all praise for his crew, saying: "We have a really good team on board the boat.

"A lot of us have sailed together for a long time. We also have some new people on the boat for this year that have been selected to boost the skill set on the boat.

"There's a lot of us who put a lot of time into preparing for the race this year.

"This is an awesome race. It's iconic. It's probably one of the most interesting, strategic, challenging 600-odd milers."

Haynes said he had been overwhelmed by the support and the messages of congratulations that has come his way since Celestial's victory was confirmed.

"It's been an amazing outpouring. I've had so many messages," he said.

"I can't thank all the people who have actually sent those messages to me because I can't get back to everyone individually.

"We have fantastic support and a fantastic culture on the boat... a lot of family members are down here supporting us.

"There are people that are home wanting you to be there wanting you to compete and looking forward to a day like today."

Related Articles

New Online BoatUS Foundation Course
Taking on Biggest Cause of Accidents: Distracted Boating A quick look at the annual U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics shows “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” to be perennial placeholders in the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Posted today at 4:30 pm
VISIONF Yachts unveils Superfast 46
A new speedboat with 80 knots max speed VISIONF Yachts, renowned for its cutting-edge luxury power catamarans, has revealed the latest jewel in its performance portfolio — the VISIONF Superfast 46, a 14-meter, high-speed masterpiece capable of reaching a staggering 80 knots. Posted on 7 Jul
Inside Maritimo Newsletter - Take a Virtual Tour
Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo Take a moment to indulge in our immersive virtual tours, available through the form link below. Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design that define Maritimo, all from the comfort of your own home. Posted on 4 Jul
Baglietto launch first DOM115 Superyacht
A 35-meter masterpiece by Stefano Vafiadis with interiors by Baglietto design team The first unit of the DOM115, the entry-level model of the line designed by Stefano Vafiadis, was officially launched in recent days. Posted on 3 Jul
Grand Trawler 63
A new benchmark in elegant voyaging With the launch of the Grand Trawler 63, BENETEAU sets a new benchmark in long-distance luxury cruising. Posted on 3 Jul
Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive
A head-turning vision that sets a new standard in customization It's a question often asked by outsiders looking at Palm Beach Motor Yacht's vibrant new product introductions and development pipeline: What was the genesis for this particular design? Posted on 2 Jul
The new Beneteau Swift Trawler 37
The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand The eye-catching new arrival in the fleet of BENETEAU's modern passagemakers is the Swift Trawler 37. The latest family cruiser from the world's leading marine brand replaces the Swift Trawler 35, balancing enhanced design and comfort on board. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul
One thing. One big, very fast boat
One thing that opened the door, another made us enquire some more - 50 knots! Yes. It was one thing that opened the door, as it were. One thing that piqued the curiosity enough to go, ‘I'll take a look at that!' One thing that when you're trying to crack in excess of 50 knots... Posted on 30 Jun
Baglietto and Meyer Davis unveil concept Vesta56
A 56m superyacht collaboration Baglietto, the Italian shipyard with over 170 years of heritage and excellence, along with Meyer Davis, the multi-disciplinary design studio, announce a new creative partnership. Posted on 29 Jun
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo M600