80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: First entrants poised to settle unfinished business
by RSHYR media 14 Mar 2025 00:51 PDT
26 December 2025
Master Lock Comanche was the first entrant in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Carlo Borlenghi / ROLEX
Entries opened
While the start of the 80th anniversary Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is still some time away, preparations are already well under way at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA).
Excitement is building in anticipation of another strong and varied fleet for this milestone edition. With a flurry of entries received on the first day after entries opened on Wednesday, expectations are for an increase in the fleet size across all divisions.
Redemption Time
A common theme among the early entrants seems to be a desire to settle unfinished business. Many crews are heading back to Sydney Harbour, determined to take care of what they couldn't finish in previous years. With many teams having been forced to retire in recent editions, this year presents an opportunity for redemption.
The Maxis
Among this group are 100-footers, Master Lock Comanche and SHK Scallywag 100. The former, co-skippered by James Mayo and Matt Allen, was the first entry in this year's race. The team is eager to take on the Everest of ocean racing once again after mainsail damage forced their retirement last year.
On entering this milestone race, co-skipper, Matt Allen shared: "James and I are thrilled to bring Master Lock Comanche back for the historic 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The fleet is shaping up to be strong, which is fantastic for both the race and this milestone celebration."
The first international entry and a returning long-time competitor, David Witt, skipper of SHK Scallywag 100, also expressed his determination: "After our success at the Rolex Maxi Worlds and winning Line Honours in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, team owner Seng Huang Lee and sponsor Sun Hung Kai Scallywag decided to chase the whole Rolex dream.
"We will start with the Rolex Giraglia in Saint Tropez, France, followed by the Rolex Fastnet Race and, to finish the year, the greatest Rolex race of all - the Sydney Hobart.
"The boat has been performing exceptionally well since the modification we made in 2023 and as a team, we have unfinished business. Personally, I've spent 30 years trying to win Line Honours in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - hopefully, 2025 can be our year."
Meanwhile, LawConnect, the back-to-back Line Honours winner of 2023 and 2024, officially entered the race early Thursday morning.
Owner Christian Beck said: "LawConnect is already gearing up for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, setting our sights on another Line Honours victory. After securing Line Honours for the past two years, our crew is eager to embrace the challenge once again, competing against formidable maxi contenders like Comanche and Scallywag. We can't wait to take on the iconic race in its 80th year."
With three 100-footers already in the mix and more expected to join, the battle for Line Honours is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. All eyes will be on Hobart in late December - to see who will ultimately hoist the John H Illingworth Challenge Cup.
More Top Comptetitors
The 72-foot, former Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Champions URM Group has also joined the ranks of returning competitors. After dismasting in last year's race due to malfunctioning gear, the team is eager to get back on the water. Co-owner Anthony Johnston shared some insight into what is going on behind the scenes. Whilst Line Honours might be a stretch, they are one of the boats to watch for Overall victory.
"We are sourcing the new rig at the moment, which should be ready in September for testing and will also get new sails made in the process. We are on track to tackle this new year of racing. The team will be largely the same as last year and we are keen to get going."
Another well-credentialled boat and current 2024/25 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Pointscore Champion, Sebastian Bohm's TP52 Smuggler filed its entry yesterday afternoon. Competing in the always tightly fought Division 1, the team has relished its battles with the likes of fellow 52s Celestial, Caro and Warrior Won over recent years. Overall IRC victory in the Rolex Sydney Hobart is their target this year and Seb's focus is clear: "Our goal this year is to win the big one, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race".
Another early entry that has previously lifted the Tattersall Cup on three occasions (1974, 1978 and 2006), is Simon Kurts' much-loved S&S 47 Love & War. Racing in its 52nd Sydney Hobart, a handicap win would see them make history as the first boat to have won the race four times.
Internationals
Last year's new kid on the block, Bacchanal, owned by Ronald Epstein, made its Rolex Sydney Hobart debut only months after the yacht build was completed. Since then, the yacht has remained docked at CYCA, a constant reminder of its first taste of the 628-nautical-mile challenge.
Epstein said: "I'm returning for three reasons. First, the competition in Sydney is world-class, and sailing here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sharpen my skills. Second, I felt incredibly welcome at CYCA and in Australia and I want to spend more time here making new friends. And third, there's unfinished business. Retiring last year after our boom broke was heartbreaking and I want to experience the thrill of the start in Sydney again - this time, followed by the joy of crossing the finish line in Hobart."
First Double Hander Eyes Down the Challenge
The first double-handed entry has also come in hot. Local sailor Andy Offord, proud owner of the Sun Fast 3600 Borderline, is eyeing down the challenge of taking on the 628nm icon. He's partnering with British sailor Ian Hoddle, who is well-versed in the Sun Fast Class and will be a valuable co-skipper to take on the challenge.
The Double Handed division is still a relatively new addition to the Rolex Sydney Hobart, now running for its fifth consecutive year. But it has grown in both popularity and competitiveness in recent years. Offord and Hoddle won't have an easy ride, with more experienced double-handers expected to join the fleet and make their mark on this milestone edition.
With entries rolling in and many more expected in the coming weeks, the 80th edition is set to deliver a fleet worthy of its milestone status.