Sydney to Hobart Campaign
The iconic 628-nautical-mile Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one of the world’s toughest ocean challenges—often called the Everest of offshore yacht racing. Each year, more than 100 yachts take on the elements and the competition in a superb test of seamanship, endurance and teamwork. Completing this legendary race is a major achievement on any sailor’s CV.
Description
Success in the Sydney to Hobart starts with excellent preparation.
The Flying Fish campaign combines intensive crew training, an offshore qualifying passage and the race itself, allowing plenty of time for the team to consolidate and for you to take your place as a confident and effective member of the racing crew.
You’ll join sailors from Australia and around the world, working together through the training week and then racing 628 nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to Hobart.
Crossing the finish line in Hobart and sailing into Constitution Dock is an awesome experience that few sailors ever forget.
Meet Flying Fish Arctos
You’ll race aboard Flying Fish Arctos, a powerful cutter-rigged Radford / McIntyre 55 originally built for a Southern Ocean circumnavigation.
Arctos has completed 18 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, including second in class in 2009 and first in class in 2010 and 2017.
You’ll be an active member of the crew — standing watches, trimming sails, helming, navigating and sharing the demands and rewards of offshore racing as a team.
Campaign schedule
Week 1 – Crew training and qualifying passage
Four days of structured training on Sydney Harbour cover upwind and downwind sailing, reefing, headsail changes, spinnaker handling, helming and offshore safety drills.
You’ll then complete the required 24-hour offshore qualifying passage with the yacht and racing crew, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off before final race preparations.
Week 2 – Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
On Boxing Day, you’ll line up on Sydney Harbour for one of Australia’s great sporting events before heading out into the Tasman Sea in search of the warm, south-setting East Australian Current and racing south along the New South Wales coast, across Bass Strait and around Tasman Island into Storm Bay.
The final sail up the River Derwent to Constitution Dock is one of offshore sailing’s great moments, followed by Hobart’s famous New Year celebrations.
Taste of Tasmania
After the race, enjoy Hobart at its summer best.
Tasmania’s renowned food, wine and waterfront atmosphere provide the perfect way to celebrate completing one of sailing’s great adventures.
Before you start
Before booking, please check that you meet the Sydney to Hobart crew eligibility requirements.
- Crew members must be at least 18 years old.
- All crew must have completed a Category 2 or higher race or qualifying passage within the previous 5 years. A Category 2 qualifying passage must be at least 150 nautical miles and 24 hours offshore.
- At least 50% of the crew must have completed a Category 1 or higher race or qualifying passage within the previous 10 years. A Category 1 qualifying passage must be at least 500 nautical miles by the rhumb line, sailed continuously offshore — for example, Hobart to Sydney. To gain a Category 1 qualifying passage before the race, join our Sydney to Hobart Race Qualifying Passage.
- At least 65% of the racing crew must hold a current World Sailing-approved Offshore Safety and Sea Survival Certificate, or recognised equivalent. Flying Fish runs this course shortly before the campaign begins.
All crew qualifying races and passages are subject to acceptance by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). If you are unsure whether your previous experience will qualify, please submit an enquiry using the form at the top of this page and we will help assess it before you book.
The yacht and racing crew must also complete a 150 nautical mile / 24-hour qualifying passage together. This is included in the Flying Fish campaign training week.
What's included
- Professional race training and preparation with the Flying Fish team.
- All onboard safety equipment and pre-event training materials.
- Meals during the offshore qualifying passage and Sydney to Hobart race.
- Onboard accommodation throughout the campaign, including the training week in Sydney and after arrival in Hobart.
- Sydney to Hobart crew race jacket and polo.
Meals are not included while the yacht is in the marina, with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby. For additional comfort, you may prefer to arrange shore-based accommodation in Sydney and Hobart.
All crew must depart the yacht in Hobart by 10:00am on 2 January.
Experience gained
- Approximately 1,000 logged sea miles.
- Experience competing in a Category 1 offshore yacht race.
- Offshore passage-making and overnight sailing experience.
- Practical experience of watchkeeping, sail handling, safety procedures and working as part of an offshore racing crew.
What next?
- More racing? Join our Hamilton Island Race Week campaign and build your racing experience in the Whitsundays.
- Ready to progress as a skipper? Explore our RYA Yachtmaster courses and work towards Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certification.
Testimonials
- Ian Horrocks – Australia
- Hamilton Island Race Week and Sydney to Hobart 2018
- “Since our first interaction at Hamilton Island Race Week through to the celebrations in Hobart, the Flying Fish team have been outstanding — professional, knowledgeable, safety-focused and, above all, great fun.”
- Iain Wilcock – UK
- Sydney to Hobart Campaign aboard SV Arctos -2025
- “Signing up for a race without knowing the crew or the boat is always a bit of a gamble — but Arctos was ideal and a fantastic yacht to sail. Drew and Matt were outstanding: great with people and excellent at running the boat. Overall, an unforgettable way to experience the Great Race.”
- Horro – Australia
- Flying Fish Arctos, Sydney to Hobart 2019
- “This is the second time I have raced to Hobart with Flying Fish on the mighty Arctos. I have no hesitation recommending the programme to any sailor — whether it’s your first Hobart or your tenth.”
Faq
- Booking information
- Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The balance is due 60 days before the campaign starts.
- Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event with at least 60 days’ notice.
- Places are limited and usually fill well in advance.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- Who joins the Sydney to Hobart campaign?
- Our crews include men and women from Australia and around the world, commonly ranging from their 20s to their 60s and beyond.
- Many people join on their own and quickly become part of the team during the training week.
- You do not need to be an experienced racing sailor, but you must meet the offshore experience requirements outlined above.
- A positive attitude, reasonable fitness, teamwork and a willingness to learn are more important than extensive racing experience.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You do not need to be an elite athlete, but offshore racing can be physically demanding. You should arrive reasonably fit, mobile and comfortable spending extended periods on a yacht.
- Good general fitness, core strength and endurance will make the campaign safer and more enjoyable.
- How should I prepare?
- Get as much sailing time as possible before the campaign and practise sail handling, reefing and basic offshore routines where you can.
- Refresh your knowledge of IRPCS, weather, sail trim and offshore safety.
- Come ready to contribute — you will be an active member of the racing crew, not a passenger.
- What should I bring?
- Detailed joining instructions and a full kit list will be provided before the campaign.
- You will need suitable offshore foul weather gear, warm layers, sailing footwear and gloves, together with your normal personal sailing kit.
- Pack light and use soft bags rather than rigid suitcases.
- What conditions should I expect?
- The Sydney to Hobart can deliver everything from warm summer sailing to strong winds, rough seas, rain and cold overnight watches.
- Come prepared for a wide range of offshore conditions.
- What if I get seasick?
- Seasickness is common in offshore sailing and does not necessarily prevent you from taking part.
- If you know you are susceptible, consider appropriate medication and take it before going offshore, following the manufacturer’s or your medical professional’s advice.
- Staying hydrated, eating regularly and spending time on deck can also help.
- Do I need personal insurance?
- Yes — appropriate personal insurance is required.
- Flying Fish insurance covers the yacht and our operations but does not replace your own cover for personal injury, illness, belongings or travel disruption.
- Your policy should cover your circumstances and participation in offshore yacht racing, including appropriate medical and emergency assistance.
- What happens if the race or our arrival is delayed?
- Offshore sailing is weather dependent and race timings cannot be guaranteed.
- Allow flexibility when booking flights, accommodation and onward travel from Hobart, particularly around your expected arrival date.