Planning Your First Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

It’s March 26, 2025, and entries for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have been open for two weeks. The Boxing Day start—December 26, 2025—is nine months away, and for first-timers, that can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. The Notice of Race is out, the fleet’s shaping up for a milestone year, and if this is your debut in the world’s toughest offshore race, you might be wondering: where do I even begin? The answer’s simpler than you think: set your goals. Get that right, and everything else, crew, budget, qualifiers, logistics & complianc falls into place. Here’s how to approach your first Hobart with a clear head and a solid plan.