Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Date: 26 December 2026
Location: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Sydney, Australia
Organizer: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
The Rolex Sydney Hobart is one of ocean racing's genuine classics, run every year since 1945 and cancelled only once. The start from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day is an Australian institution: spectator boats crowd the water as the fleet pours out of the Heads and turns south for 628 nautical miles to Hobart. Bass Strait is the crux. Shallow water and strong southerly changes can turn the crossing brutal, and the race's history includes both record runs and grim years. The event is organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and the fleet spans 100-foot supermaxis chasing line honours to small cruiser-racers chasing the Tattersall Cup on handicap, which is the trophy sailors actually covet. The 2026 race is the 81st edition, starting on 26 December, with more than 100 yachts expected. Line honours boats can finish in under two days; the tail of the fleet takes nearly a week.
View this event on the World Sailing Day map
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- Sail Melbourne 2026 — 26 November 2026 · Melbourne, Australia
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- ILCA Oceania and Australian Championships 2027 — 1 January 2027 · Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Optimist Championship 2027 — 2 January 2027 · Melbourne, Australia
See all sailing events in Australia, or browse the world map to discover regattas, open days and sailing festivals near you — and explore yacht clubs, marinas and sailing schools along the way.
Sailing nearby
Planning to attend? These clubs, marinas, schools and other sailing places are close to Sydney and worth a visit while you are in the area:
- Australian National Maritime Museum — Maritime Museums, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Superyachts — Yacht Brokers, Sydney, Australia
- Dobson Yacht Club — Yacht Clubs, Sydney, Canada
- Pantaenius — Yacht Brokers, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Heritage Fleet — Maritime Museums, Sydney, Australia
- Yacht Sales Co — Yacht Brokers, Sydney, Australia
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