The Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race has announced 142 yachts will compete in the 80th edition of the event, including 6 30.48 metre long (100 foot) maxis, making this year’s Blue Water Classic one of the most competitive in years.
It is the largest fleet since 2019, when the 75th edition was held.
There are 18 international entries including from New Zealand (5), United States Of America (4), China (3), France (2), Germany, The Netherlands, Poland & the United Kingdom.
Out of the 124 yachts from Australia, currently there are:
- 74 from New South Wales
- 15 from Queensland
- 15 from Victoria
- 13 from Tasmania
- 4 from South Australia &
- 3 from Western Australia
There are 20 double-handed entries.
Newly confirmed entries include XI, 9-time line honours winner, Le Tiroflan, Back 2 Black, Wild Thing 100, Unicoin, Wild, Maritimo 100, Katwinchar, Windrose & Oroton Drumfire.
The current International Rating Certificate handicap class trophy, the Tattersall Cup, holder, Celestial V70, have also entered in order to win it for a 2nd time. Having also come 2nd in line honours last year, they have invested in an upgraded sail set for the Great Race South this year in order to claim that title too. Reflecting on the start of last year’s race, Celestial V70 skipper, Doctor (Dr) Sam Haynes, said:
1 of the things which happened at the very start was the A3, which is a spinnaker, a very vital spinnaker on a Volvo 70 as a type of sail which really powers that type of boat. It ripped & the sail gave way. It was an older sail.
It had delamination so we actually have a whole sail wardrobe coming for the boat, which is quite a significant upgrade on a Volvo 70. They’re big sails & it’s very important to have that.
Dr Sam Haynes, ‘Celestial V70’ skipper
Other News
In other news, sporting a new rig & sail wardrobe, URM won line honours in both the Flinders Islet & Tollgate Islands Races with Bacchanal leading the Bass & Flinders Series of the Blue Water Pointscore after 3 races with 20 points.
Also, the Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia is looking for 1 or 2 people to join their Blue Water Race Website Team. You’ll gain access to their satellite tracking, race management & content systems with step-by-step guides & support from a 20+ year-experienced technical consultant. Working from home via the Internet is possible for these roles.
You just need confidence with technology, a steady approach & availability for 5-to-6-hour shifts during races.
To learn more or register your interest, contact fiona.cole@cyca.com.au
This whole announcement was made at 5pm, October 24.
The Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race 2025 – its 80th anniversary – begins at 1pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time on the 26th of December, Boxing Day.
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