Celebrating 80 years of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The world’s most iconic yacht race returns this December, with participants gearing up to sail from Sydney to Hobart on Boxing Day.

Minister for Tourism, Events and Hospitality, Jane Howlett, said the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, now in its 80th year, was a highly anticipated fixture on Tasmania’s summer events calendar.

“The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has been drawing crowds since 1945, and it’s wonderful to see the Hobart waterfront come alive with spectators each summer,” Minister Howlett said.

“Many competitors from around the world enjoy the challenge of this unique ocean yacht race and we see a great uptake of competitors year after year.

“The Tasmanian Government has been a long-time supporter of this race, and through Events Tasmania we provided a total of $300,000 to deliver the event from 2023 to 2025.”

Ms Howlett said this year’s fleet of 142 boats included 17 international boats from countries such as Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United States, and 13 from Tasmania.

“This year the race will have the second-biggest fleet this century, with the largest being for the 75th anniversary event in 2019,” Minister Howlett said.

“The fleet will also feature a total of 11 female skippers, and an all-female crew aboard First Light.”

Liberal Member for Clark, Marcus Vermey, thanked the many volunteers who were involved in making the race a success, as well as the sailors and their supporters for their involvement.

“I look forward to another thrilling race this year, and I encourage everyone to get down to the official Race Village to enjoy the programming and soak up the celebratory atmosphere,” Mr Vermey said.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race kicks off on Friday, 26 December 2025 and will be broadcast on Channel Nine and YouTube.