Kathleen Gillett - one of the 9 boats in the inaugural Sydney Hobart in 1945

Home 2025 Kathleen Gillett - one of the 9 boats in the inaugural Sydney Hobart in 1945

Evie Haseldine takes us aboard Kathleen Gillett, a competitor in the first Sydney Hobart Race in 1945 (under the name Kathleen) in which she came 4th on handicap and 3rd over the line. With comments by Lindsay May, a 50 (consecutive) race veteran.

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26 December 2025 at 9:45 pm

With thanks to National Maritime Museum of Australia for allowing Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to exhibit the boat at CYCA as part of the celebrations for the 80th race.

YACHT PROFILE

Kraken 42S

TAS

Sail number: D099
Type: Cookson 12
Owner: Mark Bayles

YACHT LISTING

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Official Spectator Boat | The Jackson

Step aboard The Jackson, Sydney's most luxurious charter superyacht — and the only public spectator vessel positioned inside the Exclusion Zone for the start of the Hobart.

Tickets Include:

4-hour Boxing Day cruise on the Main Deck, within Sydney Harbour
Canapés and substantial snacks throughout the day
Premium beverages — beer, wine, sparkling, soft drinks, juice, non-alcoholic options
Live commentary of the start
5-metre LED screen streaming Channel Nine's live telecast
Departure and return from King Street Wharf 1
Optional complimentary Fast Ferry transfer to CYCA on return

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