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Crux (DH)
NSW
- Sail number
- 177
- Type
- S&S 34
- Owner
- Carlos Aydos
Course
From the breathtaking start in Sydney Harbour, the 628 nautical mile Rolex Sydney Hobart offers a thrilling journey through some of the world’s most stunning and challenging waters.
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The race kicks off with a Boxing Day spectacle: hundreds of spectator boats, buzzing helicopters, and thousands of onlookers lining the shore. The fleet then sails into the vast Tasman Sea, down the southeast coast of Australia, across the notorious Bass Strait, and along the picturesque east coast of Tasmania.
Finally, they turn right at Tasman Island, navigate Storm Bay, and head up the River Derwent to Hobart.
The Start
Four start lines are set up in Sydney Harbour to ensure separation between smaller and larger yachts. Boats are assigned to each line based on their divisions. This strategic arrangement ensures a smooth, competitive and fair start for all entrants. As the race begins, the yachts charge towards their respective turning marks.
There are two inner turning marks and three outer turning marks, each designated according to the starting line of the yacht. This setup adds a layer of strategy, as sailors must navigate these initial course markers before heading out into the open ocean. The southern most turning marks are assigned to smaller yachts, while the northern turning marks are in place for the larger yachts such as the maxis and mini-maxis.
This structured start not only organises the fleet but also sets the stage for the thrilling journey ahead, ensuring that each yacht, from the smallest cruiser to the fastest maxi, gets a fair and exhilarating send-off as they embark on the epic 628 nautical-mile race to Hobart.
The Course
As the yachts leave Sydney Harbour, they charge south along the NSW coastline. Some crews choose to stay closer inshore, working the shifts and sea breeze, while others push further offshore in search of stronger current and stronger wind. The fleet tracks past headlands and beaches until they reach Eden, the southern tip of mainland Australia and the gateway to Bass Strait.
Crossing Bass Strait, nicknamed “the paddock”, is one of the race’s most notorious challenges. Its shallow waters, strong winds and steep seas, intensified by its proximity to the Southern Ocean, can turn volatile in minutes. Sailors face everything from calm patches to powerful storms, requiring constant vigilance and sharp tactical calls.
Once through the strait, the yachts track down Tasmania’s east coast, a stretch known for rapid wind shifts and changing conditions. With breeze and sea state rarely stable, this final push demands endurance and precision as the fleet closes in on Tasman Island.
The Finish
As the yachts approach Tasman Island to round into the River Derwent, the final 40 nautical miles remain a crucial leg of the race. Cape Raoul marks the turning point as the yachts sail past Tasmania’s famous Organ Pipes in Storm Bay. The yachts navigate past the Iron Pot Lighthouse, Australia’s second oldest lighthouse, marking the official entrance to the River Derwent.
Dropping wind conditions, paired with shifting breeze and river currents, make the final few miles an intense tactical challenge.
The yachts cross the finish line in front of Constitution Dock, off Hobart’s Battery Point. Competitors receive a hero’s welcome as crowds gather along the waterfront. The finish coincides with Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival, making it a perfect time for celebration and storytelling at the Hobart Race Village or the city’s waterfront pubs.