The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a classic 628-nautical mile offshore race, organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. This race attracts a well-seasoned international fleet ready to test itself against challenging and unpredictable conditions.
The 2018 race, held in December, was the 74th annual edition of this time-honored event, and also marked Rolex’s 60th anniversary of its relationship with the sport of yachting. Rolex’s affinity to the yachting world stems from the company’s desire to support those whose bravery and determination inspired them to transcend perceived limits.
The 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was contested by a diverse and competitive fleet of 85 yachts, crewed by more than 1,000 experienced sailors whose skill and mettle was tested to their limits. This race had no real pattern, putting its participants (who included 80 female competitors) through adverse conditions. The triumphant victor was Wild Oats XI with a finish time of one day, 19 hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds, marking their 11th success at the event and ninth line honors title. The winners were rewarded with Rolex timepieces for their tactical decisions of “no turning back”. Black Jack finished second. In 2019, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will celebrate its 75th anniversary when it begins on Dec. 26. Sure to attract a sizeable fleet, the race will once again test its competitors against the relentless and changing conditions on the waters.
