RPAYC Fleet Set for the 2025 Rolex Sydney to Hobart
Seven Alfred’s boats — seven strong campaigns — showcasing the depth of Pittwater offshore sailing.
The 80th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race will send 142 yachts out of Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. This year, seven boats with deep RPAYC connections will be on the start line, representing one of the most varied and capable Alfred’s contingents in recent memory.
From a rebuilt maxi to a hard-driving double-hander, from youth sailors stepping into ocean racing to seasoned long-course crews, RPAYC enters the 2025 race with a fleet that reflects the strength and spirit of Pittwater.
Palm Beach XI – A Maxi Reborn
Formerly Wild Oats XI, Palm Beach XI returns after a significant refit under owner/skipper Mark Richards.
The package includes a deeper keel and bulb, redesigned foil systems and major structural refinement — all aimed at lifting offshore performance.
It’s her first Hobart under the Palm Beach Motor Yachts banner, and she will be one of the most closely watched boats once the fleet clears the Heads.
Pretty Woman – A Strong RPAYC Crew with Youth Talent
The Farr 45 Pretty Woman continues her proud Hobart tradition with a full, highly capable Alfred’s crew.
Crew for 2025:
Richard Hudson (Skipper), Rob Buchanan, D’Arcy Kemp, Dan Kemp, Sarah Parker, Belle Holdsworth, Juliet Constantine, Matt Gerethy, Liam Bennett, David Bowie, Kate Kenny, and Lachie Wallace.
A mix of experienced offshore sailors and sharp young talent — including several from RPAYC’s Youth Development and match-racing programs — Pretty Woman enters this year’s race as a well-prepared and well-sailed mid-sizer.
Luna Blue – Experienced, Settled and Offshore-Ready
The Beneteau First 45 Luna Blue returns with one of the most cohesive RPAYC crews on the water:
John Turnbull, David Watson, Andrew Benefield, Patrick James,
Dan O’Sullivan, Greg Poirer, Fred Hemming, John Hodgkinson,
Kim Dix, and Erin Middlehurst.
Luna Blue is a classic RPAYC offshore program: well prepared, steady, disciplined and built on long-standing crew synergy. They know the boat, know the race, and always deliver a solid, well-managed Hobart.
Antipodes – Long-Range Miles and Real Alfred’s Heritage
The Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes, owned by RPAYC member Geoff Hill, carries major offshore pedigree into the race.
Though Geoff often races under the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club burgee, Antipodes maintains deep ties to Alfred’s — strengthened again this year through her participation in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, organised by RPAYC and the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
With long-course records, international experience and a seasoned crew, Antipodes is one of the most accomplished large yachts in the 2025 fleet.
Sticky – A Determined Cookson 50 Fighting Through Setbacks
Sticky, the Cookson 50 skippered by Richard Harris, enters the Hobart after a season defined not by results, but by resilience.
The boat has faced a string of tough races — weather withdrawals, gear challenges, and disruptions that have made simply getting to the start line an achievement. Offshore racing is rarely smooth, and Sticky’s year has been a reminder of how demanding bluewater preparation can be.
What stands out is the commitment of Harris and his crew. They’ve kept the program moving, kept training, kept repairing, and kept showing up.
With a proven platform beneath them and a determined team behind it, Sticky approaches the 2025 Hobart with grit — often the ingredient that matters most when Bass Strait delivers its usual test.
Toucan – RPAYC in the Double-Handed Arena
Toucan, the Sun Fast 3300 raced double -handed by Edward Curry-Hyde, represents the modern direction of offshore racing.
Light, quick and designed for two-person sailing, Toucan continues to build on her impressive form. After strong double-handed performances in recent seasons, Curry-Hyde and his boat again carry RPAYC colours proudly into the short-handed fleet.
Team WhiteWave – International Experience, Alfred’s Heart
Formerly LCE Old School Racing, the yacht returns in 2025 as Team WhiteWave, reflecting sponsorship from the RYA-accredited WhiteWave Sailing Centre in Shenzhen, China.
The full Chinese crew recently completed the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, giving them valuable heavy-weather and offshore preparation.
Crucially, the team includes strong RPAYC involvement — most notably Mark Griffith and David Taylor (watch leader), bringing significant Alfred’s offshore experience into the campaign.
The boat last competed in the Hobart in 2021, finishing 4th in Division 2. The 2025 program blends international training with RPAYC seamanship — a unique and compelling addition to this year’s fleet.
A Strong Alfred’s Presence for 2025
Seven boats.
Seven very different programs.
All carrying RPAYC’s offshore spirit south.
From rebuilt maxis to double-handed racers, from long-standing Pittwater crews to international partnerships, the RPAYC presence in the 2025 Sydney to Hobart shows the depth, determination and capability of our members.