Two yachts with scores to settle were the first to enter the 81st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race within minutes of entries opening on 26 May.
Australia’s Wild Thing 100 and New Zealand’s Vixen Racing secured their places in the Boxing Day classic as both crews target redemption after retiring from last year’s race. Despite their contrasting designs, the two yachts share a distinctive pink colour scheme and a common goal.
“It’s really funny that the pink boats were the first to enter,” said Vixen Racing co-owner and skipper Sharon Ferris-Choat from Opua, New Zealand.
Entries for the 628-nautical-mile race are already gathering pace, with 24 yachts confirmed for the start in Sydney on 26 December. Among the early entrants are Mark Richards’ maxi Palm Beach XI, Sean Langman’s Back 2 Black and Richard Hudson’s Pretty Woman.
Wild Return — Wild Thing 100 powers offshore as Grant Wharington's crew sets its sights on a successful Sydney Hobart finish in 2026. Photo: CYCA
For Wild Thing 100 co-owner Grant Wharington, securing an early entry was a first. “We got in first, it’s incredible. It’s the first time in 33 races that I’ve ever been early,” he said.
Wharington credited boat captain Theodore Somssich with submitting the entry moments before rival crews. “Theo was on the ball. He was very proud of himself,” he said.
The Queensland-based maxi retired from the 2024 race after equipment failures made repairs unsafe in rough conditions offshore. The setback was particularly frustrating as it was the yacht’s first Sydney Hobart campaign with a mast fully suited to its enlarged 100-foot configuration. Work is now underway on further modifications to improve performance, particularly upwind in stronger conditions.
Wharington hopes the changes will help Wild Thing 100 challenge for line honours and improve on its third-place IRC Overall finish in 2024. “There is nothing like Hobart,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vixen Racing is also determined to complete unfinished business. The Verdier 40 performed strongly in last year’s race before a crew member sustained rib injuries when struck by a large wave, forcing the yacht’s retirement.
Pink Charge — Vixen Racing was among the first yachts entered for the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart as Sharon Ferris-Choat's crew targets redemption. Photo: CYCA
“We can’t wait to be on the start line on Boxing Day. It’s unfinished business – we were doing so well last year,” Ferris-Choat said.
Representing New Zealand’s Bay of Islands Yacht Club, Vixen Racing combines offshore racing with sail training and coaching opportunities. Ferris-Choat, a two-time Olympian and multiple world sailing speed record holder, said the programme aims to encourage more sailors to tackle offshore racing. She also revealed that an all-female Sydney Hobart campaign remains a possibility if sponsorship can be secured. “We’ll see,” she said.
Before December’s race, Ferris-Choat faces another offshore challenge when she competes in the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge between New Zealand and Australia. After months of solo preparation, she is looking forward to returning to fully crewed racing aboard Vixen Racing later this year.
“I can’t wait to have a crew back again rather than prepping the yacht solo,” she said.
