80th Rolex Sydney to Hobart
Role: Second in Command & Navigator
Skipper: Cyrus Allen, White Spirit
Link to White spirit official 80th ROLEX Sydney Hobart Yacht Race page
I completed the 80th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2025 as Second in Command (2IC) and Navigator aboard White Spirit, a Beneteau First 50 skippered by Cyrus Allen, Commodore of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria.
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart is one of the world’s most respected offshore races — a 625+ nautical mile classic. The race is renowned for its variety of conditions.
In 2025, the race delivered a challenging mix of weather systems that tested navigation, boat handling and mental endurance. As Navigator and 2IC, I was responsible for routing decisions, weather interpretation, sail selection strategy and supporting the helm and watches with clear, considered calls throughout the passage. The trust placed in me — particularly in demanding moments — was something I deeply valued, and the way the crew executed combined planning with calm action reinforced the strength of this team.
Pre‑race preparation included competing in the Cabbage Tree Island Yacht Race — a 172 nautical mile pointscore event — where the crew encountered winds reaching 70+ knots. The way we anticipated the front, shortened early and kept the team primed for changing conditions directly informed my role for Hobart and was a key factor in my appointment as 2IC.
What I learned on the water during this Rolex campaign has been profound. Navigation for a race like this isn’t just about picking a fast line; it’s about understanding how weather, sea state and tides evolve over time, how risk and reward are balanced, and how to support a crew through constantly changing conditions. Every routing decision, sail call and tactical adjustment is part of a bigger picture that unfolds over days rather than hours.
But just as defining as the conditions were the people I sailed with — and my reflections on that are genuine:
Cyrus’ confidence in me — telling me “you’re 2IC for a reason” — set the tone for the entire race. That trust gave me the space to lead from my station and execute decisions without hesitation.
Peter’s mast climb in Bass Strait was a reminder that seamanship sometimes calls for steady hands at altitude, not just speed or tactics.
Janet’s repair of the asymmetrical spinnaker kept us in the game when it mattered most.
Lucio’s meal planning and execution was foundational to morale — well‑fed crews are effective crews, and he made that look easy under exhausting conditions.
Courtney’s positive energy eased the long hours and helped keep shifts feeling purposeful rather than endless.
Zac’s commitment, whether trimming or moving weight, showed reliability and drive that every offshore team needs.
Christian and Orla executed high‑pressure sail changes with precision that made the boat faster and safer.
Matt’s coordination of pre‑race briefing insights from other campaigns added to our planning and confidence.
The 80th Rolex Sydney to Hobart was an unforgettable chapter in my sailing journey. It tested my technical skills as a navigator and helmsperson, and it strengthened my belief in what a disciplined, supportive crew can achieve when every member brings their best. Sailing White Spirit in this race deepened my offshore experience, sharpened my strategic thinking and reinforced how much performance and resilience are built on preparation, communication and trust.
Blogs
Port Douglas Race Week 2026
Working the bow aboard Y Knot at Port Douglas Race Week 2026, racing for the iconic Clipper Cup on the Coral Sea. Five days of tropical sailing — from glassy Day One conditions to 25 knots of south-east trade wind. Shaun McKenna reports from one of Far North Queensland’s sailing events.
North by Northwest
Pinned in Nelly Bay by the south-east trades, we waited four days before heading north aboard YKnot, a Hanse 430. What followed was 199 nautical miles of downwind sailing — island anchorages, unexpected hospitality at Dunk, a sea turtle at Fitzroy, and a tide-dependent entry into Port Douglas. The difficult days are always worth it.
ORCV Coastal Sprint #3
Sam Backwell’s first ocean race. Six yachts crossing ahead of an inbound cargo ship. Ginan sweeping all three handicap divisions. The third ORCV Coastal Sprint packed a full season’s worth of sailing into 27 nautical miles off the Mornington Peninsula — and Shimmer was right in the thick of it.
Luxury cruising
Some boats are built for the marina. Others are built to move. Shooting Baruch — a 2019 Nautitech 542 — for Inspire Marine, it was clear from the first frame which one she is. Fast, refined, and strikingly photogenic, she’s a French multihull design that earns its reputation both offshore and at anchor.
Salt
On Salt, a 2021 Solaris 50, I sailed as bow person with James Marshall and Ian Fankhanel. Festival of Sails 2026 saw us win Division 1, thanks to a skilled team including tactician, navigator, and Peter Dowdney. Aaron Cole added sail expertise, highlighting how experience and teamwork make a high-performance yacht excel.
Shimmer
Shimmer, beautifully maintained by Steve Twentyman, is sailed regularly from Safety Beach Sailing Club. With a versatile sail inventory including J0, Code 0, and asymmetric spinnakers, I’ve gained experience across bow, trimming, and helming roles. Calm leadership and preparation make her a reliable platform for club racing, ORCV coastal events, and Category 2 offshore races.
Cabbage Tree Island Race
As part of White Spirit’s Hobart preparation, I helmed through extreme conditions in the Cabbage Tree Island Race, sailing into a rapidly building southerly front with apparent winds peaking at 74 knots. The execution and boat handling through the system resulted in my appointment as Second in Command for Hobart.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2025
Airlie Beach Race Week tested sail handling, coordination, and timing across long island legs. On Y Knot, managing the bow meant staying ahead of multiple sail changes under shifting trade-wind breezes. The combination of fast offshore conditions, complex courses, and a skilled crew made it an intense and rewarding experience.
Magnetic Island Race Week 2025
YKnot’s performance demanded anticipation, precise sail transitions, and constant awareness on the bow. The warm waters, trade winds, and tight fleet kept everyone alert, while the relaxed island atmosphere ashore highlighted why offshore racing is as much about people and experience as it is speed.
Cartouche
Cartouche – Beneteau First 50 (RBYC)
I’ve sailed regularly aboard Cartouche, a Beneteau First 50 owned by Steven Fahey, across club racing, ORCV events and major regattas. Racing within a family-run team sharpened my big-boat awareness and offshore readiness, while reinforcing consistency, preparation and calm decision-making across varied conditions.
Scarlet Runner
Delivering Scarlet Runner back to Melbourne with owner and skipper Rob Date after the Melbourne–Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore seamanship. A demanding Bass Strait crossing shifted the focus from racing to judgement, restraint, and boat care, highlighting the balance between performance and protection that defines successful offshore sailing.
Australian Yachting Championships (IRC)
Racing on Tenacity in the 2025 Australian Yachting Championships tested precision and teamwork on Hobart’s Derwent. Handling halyards and sail changes as mast person, I experienced the split-second decision-making, calm control, and clear communication required to keep a high-performance Mills 41 moving efficiently through shifting river breezes.