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
Magnetic Island Race Week 2025
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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)
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Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.
Unprecedented
Sailing out of Safety Beach on this modern Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was a shift in perspective. Lighter and more responsive than most cruiser-racers, the boat is purpose-built for efficiency. Managing the running backstays and highly loaded rig highlighted the technical precision needed to keep such a performance-focused platform moving at its best.