Wayne Seaward’s Beneteau Oceanis 473, Cyan Moon, has etched her name into Sydney to Hobart history, delivering an exceptional result in the 80th running of the iconic offshore classic. Skippered this year by Maud Demazure, the Doyle Sails powered team claimed both PHS Overall honours and PHS Division 2, a remarkable achievement in one of the world’s most challenging ocean races.
From the electric Boxing Day start on Sydney Harbour through to the demanding conditions of Bass Strait and the final sprint up the River Derwent, Cyan Moon demonstrated consistency, control and smart racing. With a well drilled crew and confident leadership on board, the team sailed a measured race, capitalising on opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes as the fleet battled a wide range of conditions.
“Getting to the start line was a great challenge this year, with the need for sail replacements, standing rigging replacements and the general challenge of preparing for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. As usual, Doyle Sails Melbourne responded to our request for a new mainsail in mid November, turning the design around in just 10 days for a new fully battened Stratis mainsail,” says owner Wayne Seaward.
This year Cyan Moon had a change in leadership, with Maud Demazure stepping into the skipper role and Louise Cotter as her second in charge. Owner and campaign manager Wayne Seaward moved into a support role, assisting with tactics and communications with the Race Committee. The crew prepared thoroughly with four days of training before the Boxing Day start on Sydney Harbour, a tradition they have upheld since their first PHS win in 2022.
“The race itself was gruelling for the crew. The first two days on the water, as expected and planned for, took their toll. As always, our annual training and preparation program held us in good shape to weather the relentless pounding of an upwind race. By the start of the third day, conditions settled and for PHS it became a four boat race, with positions changing every few hours,” continues Seaward.
“Tactically, our navigator Matt Kardas was up to the task, finding every advantage in the breeze changes, currents and tidal shifts. Crossing Bass Strait was a gift for the first time in many years, and it also gave our exhausted crew time to recover.”
“From Bass Strait and down the coast of Tasmania we held first place in both Division 2 and PHS Overall, which inspired the crew to dig deep and hold those positions. As we rounded Tasman Island we hit a dead calm with no breeze. We watched as the second and third placed yachts pulled away and out of sight. For almost three hours we sat, expecting our race was over for 2025.
“Then, as our navigator Matt predicted at 3.58pm, only two minutes early, the breeze hit on our nose. First 11 knots, then within minutes we had 19 knots,” recounts Seaward. “We were back in the game. Cyan Moon exploded and within minutes was holding 9 to 11 knots of boat speed. We could see the gap to the second and third placed yachts reducing with every wave Cyan plunged through. Inch by inch, nautical mile by nautical mile, the Iron Pot became our focus. We knew the times we needed to beat.”
By the time the team reached the Iron Pot, they knew they had closed the margins and just needed the leg up the River Derwent to maintain enough pace to reach the finish line.
“The new mainsail had gone from one to three reefs and back again throughout the race, maintaining maximum boat speed at all times. With just 11 nautical miles to go, as the breeze dropped out we held our collective breath and worked every angle we could. We popped the Doyle structured luff Code Zero to hold angle and boat speed for the first half of the run.
“The breeze then kicked back in, we tucked the Code Zero away and the Doyle number two was out, driving Cyan Moonacross the finish line. As the gun acknowledged our win the crew exploded in song. Not sure we were all singing the same one.”
The arrival into Hobart was a welcome one, with the crew met by cheers and shouts of joy as they sailed past the waterfront restaurant precinct.
“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 to Hobart Yacht Race in 2025,” says Seaward. “I am thrilled to be the winner in both events for 2025, with outstanding support from Doyle Sails for my outstanding crew.”
Central to the campaign was a proven Doyle Sails inventory, designed to perform across the diverse conditions that define the Sydney to Hobart. From the powerful harbour start to the offshore grind south, the sails delivered speed, durability and confidence, allowing the crew to focus on racing hard and racing smart.
Winning PHS Overall while also topping PHS Division 2 is a testament to the quality of the program and the teamwork on board Cyan Moon. Doyle Sails congratulates Wayne Seaward, Maud Demazure and the entire crew on an outstanding result in one of offshore sailing’s ultimate tests.
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