A Parade of Sail featuring classic yachts will open the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on St. Stephen's Day.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia says the display honours the race’s founding sailors from 1945.
Nine yachts set sail in the first Hobart race. The event now covers 628 nautical miles and draws a global audience.
Classics assemble in Rose Bay on St. Stephen's Day. and parade from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. They will pass Steele Point, sail toward Sow and Pigs, and return to Obelisk Bay.
The Royal Australian Navy’s Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour will lead the Parade and follow the fleet to the finish. It is Young Endeavour’s final year as the race flagship.
Defiance, the first Australian‑designed 8 metre yacht launched in 1935, will participate. Owner Nicole Shrimpton said the yacht “represents early Australian yacht design and racing.”
Margaret Rintoul, built in 1948, once held the Hobart race record for six years. Owner Bruce Gould will bring the yawl to the Parade.
Fidelis, a New Zealand vessel that took Line Honours in 1966 by more than 17 hours, is also entered. Nigel Stoke, long‑time owner, has raced her four times.
Tasman Seabird design Maris, launched in 1958 and owned by Tiare Tomaszewski, will sail with a family crew. She has contested seven Hobarts.
Halvorsen yachts Solveig and Anitra V are among the classics. Bob Allan will helm Solveig, a 1954 Overall winner. Philip Brown owns Anitra V, a 1957 champion.
Caprice of Huon, a former Admiral's Cup competitor, and Lolita, with seven Hobarts to her credit, complete the line‑up of heritage entrants.
For a full list of entries, please click here
