December marks the start of a special period in Sydney, from the first blistering hot summer days to the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR) on Boxing Day. It is a month when the global sailing community collectively shifts its gaze to the playground that we call home, everyone eagerly anticipating the crowning of the team that secured the famous Tattersall Cup.

However, with constant evolving sailing technology and boat designs, it is becoming increasingly more important to remind ourselves of the heritage of yacht racing. A nod to the enduring legacy of classic yachts and their pivotal role in shaping the RSHYR has given rise to a dedicated two-day regatta. The Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta (SHCYR). This event serves as a tribute to the iconic yachts that have stamped their mark on Australia’s most iconic yacht race, and perhaps even on the global level.

As the regatta unfolds over two days of competition, seasoned yachts and their crews compete to determine which Hobart-veteran can outshine the rest. The racing arena welcomed yachts launched before 1976 that has proudly participated in a prior edition of the RSHYR in division 1, 2 & 3. With a new division specifically dedicated to the IOR Era yachts that have a launch date between 1975 and 1991 who have competed in the RSHYR.

Join as we commemorate the rich Australian racing heritage and competitive spirit that defines the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta.

Day One | 2023 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

Remember the scorching hot December days we mentioned before? Well let’s revisit day one, fondly dubbed “A Bloody Hot One.” by our competitors.

Under the intense 40-degree heat, 27 participants eagerly gathered at the start line for a pursuit start. A gentle north-easterly breeze swept through the harbour powering the classic yachts around a series of marks. The pursuit start added a great element to the race, ensuring a close and engaging competition among the fleet, much to the delight of both competitors and spectators. As the day unfolded, the undeniable charm of these timeless yachts became even more apparent.

To cap off this fantastic day on the water, teams gathered for a delightful dinner at the CYCA clubhouse, undoubtedly sharing animated stories about the past day’s racing.

Below are the day’s winners. For full results please follow this link.

DIVISION 1

Love & War – Simon Kurts (CYCA)

DIVISION 2

Nike – Sam Hunt (SASC)

DIVISION 3 (non-spinnaker)

Boongown – Eddie Vinks (BYRA)

IOR-ERA

Bacardi – Brett Avery (SYC)

Day Two | 2023 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta

A contrasting start of the second day saw changed conditions for the fleet. The northerly wind and heat had been replaced by a moody sky and a 10-14 knot southerly. Afterall would it really be a regatta celebrating the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race without a Southerly front?

The racing kicked-off at midday, this day no pursuit start but rather a traditional scratch start. However, this was not the only remarkable change of the day. All 26 yachts lined-up off Cannae Point near Manly, marking a return to the roots of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, at its original starting line.

As the yachts were near completing the course the grey sky opened and was replaced by blue skies, in other words champagne sailing conditions.

Below are the day’s winners. For full results please follow this link.

DIVISION 1

Patrice II – Robert Kelly (CYCA)

DIVISION 2

Jasnar – Gordon Ingate (RSYS)

DIVISON 3 (non-spinnaker)

Valhalla – Tony Burgess (NHSC)

IOR-ERA

Crux – Carlos Aydos (MYC)

As the two days of racing drew to a close, the crews from the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta came together in the Sydney Race Village for a few quiet drinks & the Official Prizegiving. Sharing stories and more importantly their love for the sport.

The overall divisional places and bragging rights for the regatta went to:

DIVISION 1

1st – Patrice II

2nd – Wraith of Odin

3rd – Love & War

DIVISION 2

1st – Nike

2nd – Jasna

3rd – Anitra V

DIVISION 3 (non-spinnaker)

1st – Boongown

2nd – Fidelis

3rd – Lolita

IOR-ERA

1st – Crux

2nd – Bacardi

3rd – Wild Oats

Visit this link to have an overview of the Overall Pointscore Standings.

We would like to express a special thanks to David Champtaloup, Peter Shipway the Organizing Committee, the CYCA Sailing Office and all other helping hands that made this regatta come to life.