CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes is set to return for the 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race this December.
Haynes will once again helm the Volvo 70 Celestial V70, the same yacht that claimed the 2024 Overall win.
The veteran skipper is aiming for a third Overall victory, having previously won in 2022 aboard his TP52 Celestial.
Speaking on the race’s milestone year, Haynes said: “Why wouldn’t you do it?”
Initially considering stepping back after his 2024 campaign, Haynes reversed course after encouragement from family and crew, and confirmation of the boat’s availability from owner Jim Cooney.
“This boat is just incredible,” Haynes said. “I would not be racing again without this boat.”
Sam Haynes (right) and his son William. Photo: Andrea Francolini
In 2024, Celestial V70 won by a corrected time margin of 9 hours, 44 minutes, and 42 seconds—the biggest since the inaugural race in 1945.
The crew also finished second on Line Honours, behind LawConnect, despite a blown spinnaker early on.
With an upgraded sail wardrobe, Haynes believes the V70 will be competitive against the Maxis, particularly in reaching conditions.
“If the conditions suit the bigger boats, we’ll be right up there,” he said.
Fierce rivals include the returning URM Group, Moneypenny, and perennial contenders like Comanche and SHK Scallywag.
Returning crew members for Celestial V70 include Jack Macartney, Lewis Brake, David Chapman, and Haynes’ son Will. New faces onboard include Nick Bice and Pablo Torrado.
Crew preparation is key, according to Haynes: “That [Overall win] doesn’t happen by chance.”
Only two other sitting Commodores have competed in the race’s history. Haynes sees it as part of the club’s heritage.
“If you do get the chance to go and write yourself into a record book, then you should take it,” he added.
The race begins on St Stephen's Day, 26 December 2025.
