Entries have closed for the 81st edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, confirming a fleet of 107 yachts ready to compete on 26 December. This year’s race promises a diverse and competitive lineup featuring former champions and four 100-foot maxis.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is excited to present a mix of offshore racing veterans, emerging talents, and passionate enthusiasts. Notable entries include the defending Overall winner Jiang Lin, who returns with co-skipper Alexis Loison aboard a new JPK 10.50, aiming for consecutive victories. The 100-foot maxis, including Christian Beck’s LawConnect and Anthony Bell’s Loyal, are set to contest for Line Honours.
Other highlights include Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban, a four-time Overall winner, and Alive, a two-time Overall winner led by Duncan Hines. Love & War, a classic yacht with a storied history, will also compete alongside 18 double-handed entries, showcasing the growing division in the race.
The competition intensifies for Line Honours as four maxis prepare for a head-to-head sprint down the east coast. The 2026 Australian Maxi Championship will serve as a precursor to the main event, allowing competitors to test their performance before the Boxing Day start.
The Tattersall Cup, awarded to the Overall winner on IRC handicap, remains up for grabs. Last year, Jiang Lin made history as the first woman and the first Double Handed yacht to win this prestigious trophy. Lin expressed her excitement for this year’s race, emphasizing the enjoyment and camaraderie of sailing.
CYCA Commodore David Jacobs highlighted the significance of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, noting it is not just a race but a celebration of the spirit of adventure and teamwork. The event will be broadcast live across Australia on Channel Nine and streamed globally on the race website and via CYCA’s YouTube channel, CYCATV.
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