The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is one of the toughest and most respected Category 1 ocean races in the world. It’s the only major race that starts in a harbour, takes in a passage and finishes in a river. This edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, has a fleet in excess of 100 yachts expected, ranging from 36 to 100 foot in length. The electric pre-race village atmosphere at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) followed by the excitement of the build-up to the start on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day is hard to describe.
With thousands of spectator vessels, helicopters overhead and hundreds of thousands of people lining the Sydney waterfront and cliff tops, the race start at 1pm on Boxing Day each year is an Australian sporting tradition. We'll assemble in Sydney late on Christmas Day, start the race at 1pm on Boxing Day and arrive in Hobart in time for New Years celebrations, the Taste of Tasmania Festival and a range of great local activities and sights. It’s an absolutely unique experience from the moment to land in Sydney to the time you depart Hobart.
Sydney Harbour Start
Experience the electric atmosphere as the race begins in Sydney Harbour, with cheering crowds lining the shoreline and a flurry of spectator boats creating an unforgettable send-off. The fleet battles for position while navigating through the iconic Heads, the gateway to the open ocean.
Tasman Sea Challenge
Once in the Tasman Sea, the race reveals its true character. Conditions can range from calm, sunlit days with sweeping views of Australia’s rugged coastline to powerful southerly winds and towering seas that test skill and endurance.
Ocean Wildlife and Night Skies
Spot dolphins surfing the bow waves and seabirds gliding overhead during the day. At night, the vast expanse of stars lights the horizon, offering moments of calm amid the intensity of offshore racing.
Navigating Bass Strait
Cross one of the most notorious stretches of water in the world, where weather systems can change rapidly and tactical decisions are critical to race performance.
Race aboard Silver Fern
Join the crew of Silver Fern, an ocean yacht designed for long distance offshore adventure sailing. With her strong bluewater pedigree and experienced offshore skipper leading the way, Silver Fern offers the ideal platform for sailors looking to race hard while gaining serious offshore experience in a safe and supported environment.
Approach to Tasmania
Sail into the dramatic landscapes of Storm Bay and the Derwent River as the race draws to a close. The triumphant arrival in Hobart is met with a festive welcome and the camaraderie of fellow sailors, marking the perfect end to an extraordinary challenge.
Be part of a living sailing legacy
With over 75 years of history, the Rolex Sydney Hobart is more than a race, it’s a rite of passage. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of ocean racing or ticking off a bucket-list adventure, this is your chance to be part of a legendary tradition that continues to captivate sailors around the world.
Hobart’s Celebration
Join the lively post-race celebrations along the waterfront, where the docks buzz with music, food, and stories shared between crews and supporters from around the world.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls. View gallery
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery
Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan. View gallery
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather). View gallery
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions. View gallery
Step aboard Silverfern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silverfern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
Phase 1
Pre-Race Training Weekend: 18 – 20 Dec 2027
Enhance your race preparation with an intensive 3-day offshore training program designed to sharpen your skills and build teamwork before the big event
Training starts: 10am, 18/12/27
Training ends: 3pm, 20/12/27
Phase 2
The Race: 25 - 31 December 2027
You can fly directly into Sydney Airport on the 24th or 25th of December for the race (or 17th of December if you are combining your travel with the 3-day training weekend on 18-20 December as well). Our crew will officially assemble on Christmas Day by 4pm and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner.
On the 26th of December we'll meet for breakfast early and then run through final checks and preparations. We'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and get you ready for departure from the dock around 11:30am. Its a 3-4 day sail to Hobart with arrival expected on the 29-30 December.
When we arrive in Hobart, we'll do the customary sail past the crowd on Constitution Dock, before tying up at the marina and heading to the Custom House (open 24 hours) for an arrival drink or two. We'll attend a number of events in Hobart including a New Years Eve party, The Taste of Tasmania and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Presentation. You should plan to fly out of Hobart after midday on the 1st of January. Most of our crew will depart around the 2nd - 3rd of January, so plan to stay on and enjoy the 3-4 days in Hobart at the end of the race, as it truly is a celebration you will never forget.
Arrive at Sydney Airport 25/12/27
Arrive at the vessel at CYCA by 4pm on 25/12/27
Final planning 25/12/27
Race 26/12/27 - 31/12/27
Depart Hobart Airport 31/12/27 onwards
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, an Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew jacket, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
A mandatory 3-day crew training camp, valued at $1,495 is also included.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation and meals ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules..
Accommodation
If you plan to fly in a day earlier, or stay onboar the night after we return to port, an extra night's accommodation is available onboard, prior to departure and/or after arrival as an add-on, for $100 per person, per night. This can be purchased through your We Travel account during the booking process or prior to departure.
Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
All crew shall have completed a Category 2 or higher race (or a race, a passage, or offshore experience that the Race Committee deems equivalent) - within 5 years prior to the race start.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.