80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race entries open today

by RSHYR media 11 Mar 23:13 PDT 26 December 2025

Be part of history

The 80th anniversary of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is expected to attract huge interest from sailors from Australia and around the globe, all eager to participate in the milestone event.

Registration for the most anticipated race on the international offshore sailing calendar opens today, Wednesday 12 March and will close on Friday 24 October at 1700 hours.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) cordially invites owners of eligible yachts to join the festivities and celebrate the 80th iteration of the 628 nautical mile race on Boxing Day, 26 December.

With a fleet of over 120 yachts expected to compete across multiple divisions and the possibility of a record contingent of double-handed entries this year, the 80th Anniversary Race is definitely one for the bucket list.

The "Great Race" was first run in 1945 with nine starters. Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of the world's most respected, challenging and competitive offshore races.

What to expect

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has it all. From a spectacular race start on Sydney Harbour, to an epic leg down Australia's east coast, followed by often demanding conditions across Bass Strait and down Tasmania's stunning coastline, fleets pass the stunning landmarks of Tasman Island, the Organ Pipes, Storm Bay before finishing in Hobart on the River Derwent.

Local and international entries welcome

Dr Sam Haynes, CYCA Commodore and two-time Overall Winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race including last year's Rolex Sydney Hobart on Celestial V70, looks forward to welcoming entries for the historic anniversary.

"The CYCA is immensely proud to have organised the Sydney Hobart for 80 years alongside our finishing partner, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania," Haynes said. "We encourage sailors from all over the world to join us in December to participate in this race of a lifetime.

"The Rolex Sydney Hobart has it all - it's a destination race, which provides some of the world's most competitive racing in some of the most challenging sailing conditions - located in a stunning part of the world. And it's also a display of comradeship at its finest.

"Everyone has a chance to win Overall, from 100-foot maxis to 30-foot double-handed yachts. It's a race you don't want to miss."

Southern Cross Cup

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia will once again hold the Southern Cross Cup as part of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. This Cup is a team-based event in which three boats enter together to represent a Club, State or Country. Over the years, the Southern Cross Cup has attracted teams from many overseas countries and will continue to be a great incentive for teams to participate in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Southern Cross Series

Local and International sailors who are looking to expand their Australian racing program, have an exciting, new opportunity with the Southern Cross Series.

This three-race offshore series offers world-class competition and incredible sailing experiences across Australia and New Zealand.

The series features:

• Cabbage Tree Island Race - A 172nm coastal challenge.
• Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (Late December) - The legendary 628nm blue water classic.
• Trans-Tasman Yacht Race (February 2026) - A 1,270nm pursuit start race from Sydney to Auckland.

With three major races in just three months, the Southern Cross Series delivers unbeatable value for international campaigns. It's a chance to compete in iconic races, experience elite sailing culture and take on one of the world's great offshore challenges.

The NOR for this exciting Series will be released shortly, contact the Sailing Office for more details.

Key dates & details for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race:

• Entry opens: 12 March 2025 at 1400 hours AEDT
• Entry closes: 24 October 2025 at 1700 hours AEDT

For more information, please contact: sailingoffice@cyca.com.au.