Sydney to Hobart 2026
Congratulations to our RPAYC sailors who competed in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, supporters, and everyone who came out to cheer them on, your enthusiasm and dedication make moments like these possible.
A special acknowledgement is due for the crews that took part in scattering rose petals in the tribute as the boats passed Bondi Beach, to honour the victims of the recent mass shooting. Swimming legend Thorpe on LawConnect, being the first out of the Harbour, was the first crew to lay the roses. Pausing the intensity of the race for a shared expression of remembrance and solidarity.
At the start of the race on Boxing Day, Palm Beach XI was right in the mix among the leading yachts as the fleet surged away from Sydney Heads. As the starting cannon fired at 1300 AEDT, Palm Beach XI rounded the opening turning mark in close company behind the race’s headline contenders, including LawConnect, Master Lock Comanche and the US entry Lucky. Predictions were made prior to the race that conditions were expected to be the most dangerous in years
The early positioning underlined Palm Beach XI’s intent as the fleet embarked on the 628-nautical-mile challenge, setting course down the New South Wales coast in fresh southerly conditions.
Come the Saturday Antipodes was battling steadily through a punishing upwind race as conditions intensified. Reporting from offshore, driver and tactician Brad Kellett described a relentless but controlled slog south, with the Santa Cruz 72 holding pace with nearby competitors.
“The upwind slog continues. We seem to be hanging in there with the boats around us. A few breeze changes last night mixed it up a little, but we’ve all fallen into a line down the NSW coast,” Brad Kellett said. “This afternoon looks like much the same, with an increase in pressure we’ll probably be reefing for the first time so far.” Kellett reported as the fleet settled into a long line down the coast.
By late Saturday afternoon, Antipodes delivered some of the race’s best news, pressing toward Bass Strait in demanding but manageable conditions. Despite sustained 25–30 knot southerlies, a large southwest swell and steep seas sending water across the deck, the boat remained in sound shape.
“The boss (Geoff Hill) is in good spirits, the yacht is in seaworthy condition, the crew are happy and healthy,” Kellett said, adding that batteries were charged and the team was fully committed to continuing the race.
With conditions easing, Antipodes and her crew continued to dig deep as the fleet funnelled south toward Tasmania in a race ultimately claiming 12th place in line honours with Palm Beach Xl claiming 5th.
Line Honours for RPAYC boats are:
5th – Palm Beach XI – Skipper: Mark Richards
12th – Antipodes – Owner/Skipper: Geoff Hill
14th – Sticky – Skipper: Richard Harris
26th – Team WhiteWave – Skipper: Mark Griffith
27th – Pretty Woman – Skipper: Richard Hudson
59th – Toucan – Skipper: Edward Curry-Hyde
78rd – Luna Blue – Skipper: John Turnbull
