The start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart is one of the most viewed sailing events in the world, and arguably the only one that unites an entire nation. On 26 December, Australia was in a festive mood. Just when the traditional international test cricket match in Melbourne breaks for lunch, the starting signal for the Rolex Sydney Hobart is fired, with an estimated one million Australians watching live from one of Sydney Harbour’s many vantage points, on television, or from the water itself. 

The Rolex Sydney Hobart is always an unforgiving and unpredictable race and this year’s 72nd edition is proving no exception. Anthony Bell’s Perpetual LOYAL leads the fleet and together with a number of frontrunners is sailing well within the race record time. The holder of that record and eight-time line honours winner, Wild Oats XI, was forced to retire from the race after sustaining keel damage. She was leading the race at the time. Further twists and turns are expected in the coming hours as Hobart prepares for the arrival of the first boats.

The 628-nautical miles of endeavour, drive and determination which underpin each and every edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will again come to the fore at this year’s 72nd running of one of the world’s most famous and revered yacht races.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart, organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), has run every year since its inaugural race in 1945. Its rich history, distinctive date and reputation as one of the world’s toughest ocean races have contributed to its status as a genuine icon in the sport.

This is a race all sailors want etched on their résumé. Completing the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a notable achievement. For many competitors, once they have finished their first race it becomes a genuine passion, almost an obsession. Characters like Tony Cable who has sailed the race on fifty occasions; Sean Langman who has skippered among the largest, fastest yachts in the fleet and now helms one of the smallest; Syd Fischer who raced 47 times as a skipper; Adrienne Calahan, the world-renowned female sailor who has competed most times, are typical of the personalities who demonstrate the everlasting allure of this famous race.