Sydney to Hobart Campaign
The iconic 628-nautical-mile Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one of the world’s toughest ocean challenges—often called the Everest of amateur yacht racing. Each year, over 100 yachts take on the elements and the competition in a suberb test of seamanship, endurance, and teamwork. Completing this legendary race is a major milestone on any sailor’s resume.
Description
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart race is one of the world's most prestigious ocean races and is a superb test of seamanship, skill, tactics, and endurance.
The key to success in an event like this is preparation and teamwork, and the Flying Fish campaign is designed to ensure that both the crew and the boat are fully prepared for the challenge.
As with all events of this nature, the sense of achievement when you sail across the finishing line is immense.
The yacht Arctos
This year's Flying Fish team is racing Flying Fish Arctos, a strong, powerful, cutter-rigged Radford / McIntyre 55 built for a Southern Ocean circumnavigation.
Flying Fish Arctos has successfully completed 17 Sydney to Hobart races, achieving outstanding results, including second in class in 2009 and first in class in 2010 and 2017.
Campaign schedule
Week 1 - Crew training and offshore qualifying passage
Our programme starts with four days of skills and drills in Sydney Harbour.
We will practice upwind and downwind sailing, reefing, headsail changes, spinnaker handling, and essential safety drills to ensure the crew are familiar with the yacht and their role on board.
Next, we complete a valuable 24-hour offshore qualifying passage, a requirement of the race organisers, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are off for some well-earned rest and relaxation; then it's up early on Boxing Day for the spectacular start on Sydney Harbour.
Week 2 - Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The start of the race on Boxing Day is a significant fixture on the Australian sporting calendar, and it feels electrifying to be on the start line as a participant.
After the huge send-off, we head out to sea, searching for the warm current that will carry us south down the Australian coast and across the Bass Strait to Tasmania.
At Tasman Island, the course turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the finish line at Constitution Dock and a magnificent welcome in the historic port of Hobart.
We expect to arrive at Constitution Dock in Hobart in good time for the New Year's Eve celebrations, Tasmania's best party of the year.
Taste of Tasmania
Tasmania's biggest food and wine festival, celebrating the state's justifiably famous produce and fine food, adds welcome flavour to the carnival atmosphere enjoyed by the hungry race crews on arrival in the city of Hobart.
What's included
- Safety equipment, tuition, accommodation, and meals onboard the yacht during the race and the overnight qualifying passage.
- Crew can stay on the yacht in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club marina during the training week and on arrival in Hobart, but food is not provided. (There are local cafes and restaurants nearby.)
- Book your own shore-based accommodation in Sydney and Hobart for a more comfortable experience.
- Customers must depart the yacht in Hobart at the latest by 1000 on 02 January.
Qualifications and experience
- 1,000 sea miles logged
- RYA qualifying passages
- World Sailing Category 1 racing experience
Before you start
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a serious offshore challenge that demands skill, resilience, and teamwork in demanding conditions.
To ensure the safety of our campaign and to comply with CYCA entry requirements, we require all crew to have relevant offshore sailing experience before joining us.
Where possible, we like all our crew to have completed the following before joining our campaign:
- ISAF (World Sailing) Category 1 offshore experience. If you don’t have this, you can join our Sydney to Hobart qualifying passage to gain the required miles.
- A current World Sailing / ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival Certificate – this is a mandatory requirement under CYCA race regulations.
What next?
- If you've got the racing bug, why not join us for Hamilton Island Race Week ?
- If you are interested in training as a skipper, see our Yachtmaster section.
Testimonials
- Ian Horrocks - Australia
- Hamilton Island Race Week and Sydney to Hobart 2018
- “Since our first interaction at Hamilton Island race week to the celebrations at Customs House after the Hobart your organization and staff have been outstanding in support, knowledge, and safety but most of all it has been fun!
- Li Peihong - China
- Yachtmaster Fast Track
- “Flying Fish is the best choice to learn and enjoy sailing. Authentic British style management, a friendly coaching team, a loving student atmosphere, a tailored teaching program, and a glimpse of the southern hemisphere's deep blue charm. ”
- Horro - Australia
- Flying Fish Arctos, Sydney to Hobart 2019
- “This is the second time I have raced to Hobart with Flying Fish on the mighty Arctos. I have no hesitation in recommending the program to any sailor whether they are dreaming of doing their first Hobart or their tenth”
Faq
- Booking information
- If you book some time in advance, you can secure your place on the course by paying a 20% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, at which time the remaining balance of the course fees will be due.
- Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable, but it may be transferred to another course or event offered by Flying Fish if you give at least 60 days’ notice before your original course start date.
- We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- Why join the Sydney to Hobart yacht race?
- Challenge and adventure: The Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race is considered one of the world's most challenging offshore sailing races. Completing it provides a sense of accomplishment and adventure that few other activities can match. In Australia, you are only a real sailor once you can claim to have done a Sydney to Hobart yacht race!
- Stunning scenery: The race takes participants through some of Australia's most beautiful seascapes and coastal landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a unique way to experience the country's natural beauty.
- Personal development: Yacht racing in this event requires a high level of sailing skill and teamwork. Completing the race will significantly enhance your sailing abilities and allow you to learn from experienced sailors.
- Camaraderie: The Sydney to Hobart race fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. It's a great way to build lasting friendships and connections within the sailing community.
- Tradition and prestige: The race boasts a rich history and is regarded as one of the most prestigious yacht races globally. Completing it can be a source of pride and a testament to your sailing prowess.
- How can I prepare for the race?
- Get fit: You will enjoy the event more if you are feeling relatively fit. Use the event as an excuse to dust off those gym shoes! Engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises. Focus on core strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Improve your sailing skills: Join some of our courses and participate in as many training sails as possible. Practice essential skills like sail changes, spinnaker handling, reefing, and man-overboard drills. Learning from experienced sailors and seeking feedback will help you improve quickly.
- Develop sailing knowledge: Read books on sail trim, learn the IRPCS, and explore topics like teamwork, heavy weather handling, and offshore safety.
- Be an active crew member: Remember, you are a crew member, not a passenger. The more you put in, the more you will get out.
- What do I need to pack for the race?
- Once you sign up, Flying Fish will provide detailed information. In general, pack lightweight, waterproof, and breathable clothing. Essential items include foul-weather gear, thermal layers, non-marking boat shoes, gloves, a beanie, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't forget personal items like medications and a headlamp with a red light.
- What about the weather?
- The weather can vary significantly in the Sydney to Hobart race. You may encounter fast downwind sailing in sunshine, cold south-westerly fronts with 35+ knots upwind, and periods of relative calm. Be prepared for strong winds, large waves, and rapid changes. We'll stay informed about forecasts and plan accordingly.
- What happens if I get seasick?
- If you're prone to seasickness, start taking medication before the race begins. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, and spend time on deck focusing on the horizon. Ginger products and acupressure wristbands can also help.
- Do I need insurance to join the Sydney to Hobart campaign?
- Yes – you need your own personal insurance. Flying Fish’s insurance covers the boat and our staff, but it does not cover you for personal injury, illness, lost belongings, or trip disruptions.
- What should it cover? Choose a policy that includes offshore sailing, personal accident, medical cover, travel delays, and emergency evacuation.
- Recommended insurers:
- Proof of cover: Please bring a copy of your policy and emergency contact details. We may ask for confirmation before departure.
