Rolex Sydney Hobart underway
by Steve Dettre / RSHYR media 25 Dec 2025 21:24 PST
26 December 2025
Start of the race out of Sydney Harbour LAWCONNECT - 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Andrea Francolini
Defending Line Honours champion LawConnect might have taken an early lead out of Sydney Heads but its archrival Master Lock Comanche lead the fleet as the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race heads down the New South Wales coast.
LawConnect led across the line as the starting canon fired at 1300 AEDT and held off determined challenges from Master Lock Comanche and the US entry Lucky, as they rounded the turning mark, with Palm Beach XI in their wake.
The surprise was New York Yacht Club's 88 footer Lucky, which is currently snapping at their heels two hours into the 80th edition of the 628-nautical-mile race.
Early disappointment struck the 2025 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race when the Bruce Tardrew owned Yendys became the first to withdraw, breaking her backstay just before the 10-minute Warning Signal was fired.
It was a devastating blow for the crew, as they didn't even get to start.
"Beyond disbelief," was how one of the crew described it back at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia marina.
SHK Scallywag, with David Witt as skipper, executed a 720 degree penalty turn offshore, to be cautious in the event of a protest, which they declared the Race Committee.
Sumatra, from the CYCA under skipper Shane Diethelm, temporarily suspended racing to fix a hydraulic issue, but plans to continue to race once the issue has been resolved.
The remaining 128 boat fleet is currently battling strong southerly winds and big swells.
Conditions make for challenging and potentially rough sailing, with organisers warning that it will be cold, wet and bumpy.
As part of today's race, several yachts scattered rose petals as they passed Bondi Beach in a tribute to the victims of the recent Bondi terror attack.
The fleet will continue south down the NSW and Victorian coast, across Bass Strait and into Storm Bay, with the 100-foot maxis potentially finishing in around two days under favourable conditions — though this year's weather likely won't produce a record time.