Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was founded in 1944 by yachting enthusiasts in Sydney, Australia. A year later, they asked British Navy Captain John Illingworth to go on a Christmas cruise down to Hobart, Tasmania. 'I will, if you make it a race,' he responded. On December 26th, 1945, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was founded. 

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, 2014 (photo: Rolex/Daniel Forster)

Rolex's partnership with the annual yacht race began in 2002. The race starts on Boxing Day, December 26, and ends on January 1st, sending participants across 628 nautical miles in one of the toughest tests of seamanship in sailing.

'It's not just a race. It's really a human endeavor,' says Sean Langman, a 25 time participant. The race attracts the top sailing talent of the world, as well as top businessmen, politicians and sports stars. Captain John Illingworth won the inaugural race in his first venture south of Sydney. In 2012, Wild Oats XI set the current record for the race, reaching Hobart in 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds under skipper Mark Richards.

Check out highlights of the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the video below.

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