The 80th running of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race delivered everything the event is famed for: intensity, attrition, and outstanding performances against a world-class fleet on one of offshore sailing’s most demanding courses. Across the fleet, Doyle Sails were proud to power teams who demonstrated resilience, preparation, and pace, recording standout results in a race that tested crews and equipment to the limit.
Christian Beck’s 100ft Maxi LawConnect, powered by Doyle Sails, claimed an impressive second on Line Honours, fighting relentlessly through a bruising race that saw 34 yachts retire due to injury or equipment failure.
After leading the 128-strong fleet out of Sydney Heads in a spectacular Boxing Day start, LawConnect remained firmly in contention throughout despite sustaining significant damage onboard. “Despite sustaining significant damage, we never gave up the fight. Huge credit to the crew who persevered through tough conditions, making do with damage to sails, no instruments, broken mainsheets, halyards, and more.” Said skipper Tony Mutter
Another highlight of the race was the exceptional performance by Wayne Seaward’s Cyan Moon, a Beneteau Oceanis 473, which claimed 1st Overall on PHS and 1st in PHS Division 2, continuing a remarkable 2025 campaign for this team.
“Again, Doyle Sails Melbourne and in particular Blake Anderson has lifted Cyan Moon to the highs she has achieved in both the Gold Coast Mackay Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 2025,” said Wayne Seaward. “Winning both events overall in PHS along with Division 2 wins is a huge achievement. We have had outstanding support from an outstanding crew. Thank you Doyle Sails Melbourne.”
Jim Murray’s Callisto Racing team delivered an excellent yet gruelling campaign, emerging 1st Overall in IRC Division 1 after navigating what many described as a classic, old-school Hobart.
“A more traditional Hobart Race,” Doyle Sails expert and veteran offshore sailor Stu Bannatyne says, “Very challenging conditions with steep waves and 25–30 knots made us all appreciate the eventual stellar downwind sailing off the Tasmanian coast. Storm Bay dished up tricky transitions before the Derwent finally delivered a mostly nice ride to the finish and an incredible Hobart welcome.”
Callisto finished relatively unscathed. Doyle Sails Newport’s Jono Swain added: “It was a tough old race really. Starting on the wind. Getting windier on day 2, with the waves getting bigger as well. Then a beautiful sail down the Tasmanian coast all the way to Tasman light. And then heartache after spending almost all day trying to cross Storm Bay. I’m glad we at least won our class because we very, very much deserved it. Not one breakage to sails or the boat is a testament to the prep that went into it. We have a great owner and team!!!”
Further success came from Ron Epstein’s USA-flagged Bacchanal, which claimed 1st Overall in IRC Division 4 “We had a fantastic race onboard Bacchanal,” said Kerian Searle, “Winning our division and the Overall CYCA Blue Water Point Score was the icing on the cake for a very successful Australian campaign. The new Doyle sails built specifically for the Hobart were a key contributor, with no issues across our full inventory.”
In the Corinthian fleet, Doyle-powered Crux a double-handed team of Carlos Aydos & Peter Grayson delivered a superb performance, claiming 1st Overall in the PHS Corinthian Division.
Brett Averay’s Peterson 44 Bacardi secured victory in the IRC Veteran Division. “It was a tough race, but it’s great when you know you can rely on your sails,” said Brett Averay. “The new J3 got a workout and was excellent over the first 30 hours.”
From Maxis to double-handed campaigns, the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race once again underlined why preparation, durability, and performance matter most. Doyle Sails is proud to support teams across the fleet, delivering sails built to perform when conditions are at their most demanding. Congratulations to all Doyle Sails customers who competed in the 2025 Sydney to Hobart Race.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.