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Classic fleet gathers for 2026 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

Home 2026 Classic fleet gathers for 2026 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

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Some of the most storied yachts in Australian ocean racing are again preparing for Sydney Harbour, with 14 entries already received for the 2026 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) from 11-13 December.

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Now in its eighth edition, the regatta celebrates the yachts that built the Sydney Hobart legend. Last year’s event drew a record fleet of 36, and organisers are hoping to go bigger again in 2026.

Leading the early entries is Simon Kurts’ S&S 47 Love & War (1973), the three-time Sydney Hobart Overall winner (1974, 1978 and 2006). Love & War claimed Spinnaker Division 1 on PHS last December with two second placings, then, just weeks later, was among the leading contenders for the Tattersall Cup in the final 36 hours of the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Joining her in Spinnaker Division 1 is James Mackenzie’s Dubois One Tonner Bimblegumbie (1981), which finished second in Non-Spinnaker Division 1 last year and steps up to the spinnaker ranks this time. Philip Bennett’s King Billy, Simon Triggs’ Swanson-designed Syonara and Tim Binns’ Farr 11.6 Titoki complete the division.

Spinnaker Division 2 shapes as another tight contest. Samuel Hunt’s S&S IOR 3/4 Tonner Nike (1973) was pipped by a single point for the divisional title last year and will be looking to go one better. She’ll face Philip Brown’s Halvorsen 38 Anitra V, the 1957 Sydney Hobart Overall winner, along with David Salter’s Mister Christian, Mark Ayto’s S&S 34 Western Morning and Victorian entry Akala, a Robb Princess skippered by David McNeice.

In the Non-Spinnaker divisions, Tiare Tomaszewski returns with Maris (1958), the Tasman Seabird launched for her grandfather, CYCA founding member Jack Earl. Maris placed second in Non-Spinnaker Division 2 last year, one spot ahead of Tony Burgess’ Vashti-class Valhalla (1964), which is also entered.

Non-Spinnaker Division 1 features Bill Ferris’ Boden 60 Archina and David Champtaloup’s Robert Clark-designed Caprice of Huon (1951), selected for Australia’s first Admiral’s Cup challenge in 1965. Champtaloup also chairs the CYCA’s Classic Yacht Committee, which organises the regatta.

Several of last year’s divisional champions are yet to lodge entries, including Peter Cummings’ Adams 10 Madam X (Non-Spinnaker Division 1), Warwick Ellis’ S&S 34 Delinquent, which won both races in Non-Spinnaker Division 2, and Ben Gray’s Peterson 3/4 Tonner Impeccable (Spinnaker Division 2).

Calling all Classics and Modern Classics

If your yacht has a Sydney Hobart in her history, organisers want her on the start line. The regatta is open to:

  • Classics: any yacht that has a launch date prior to 1976 and has competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race;
  • Modern Classics: any yacht that has a launch date after 1975 and prior to 1996 that has competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.