Event


Three iconic races.


One ambitious goal.


Introducing the Southern Cross Series


The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is making some moves to redefine offshore and ocean racing in the land down under. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, the club has now reshaped its racing calendar to boost its appeal to a growing contingent of international competitors, who range from seasoned campaigners to emerging challengers. Enter the Southern Cross Series:


a brand new three-race programme of events that is designed with the global sailor in mind. Crucially, the Southern Cross Series has been carefully structured to complement, not conflict with, the northern hemisphere’s racing circuits in Europe, the Americas and Asia. This concentrated series will


deliver world-class international racing, without compromise.


RACE 1 Cabbage Tree Island Race 5 December 2025 The series launches with a tactical sprint north and back: the 172- nautical mile Cabbage Tree Island Race. An 86-mile dash to Cabbage Tree Island and then back to Sydney, this overnight test features shifting breezes, coastal strategy and complex navigation. A long- time favourite among locals, this race now opens the international Southern Cross Series.


70 SEAHORSE


RACE 2 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 26 December 2025 Next, the world will turn its eyes to the centrepiece: the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on 26 December. It is a race that embodies ambition, endurance and international prestige. Spanning 628 nautical miles, it stands as the crown jewel of Australian offshore racing. This milestone edition is set to be even more competitive than usual, with a strengthened fleet drawn by the allure of the Southern Cross Series title.


RACE 3


Trans-Tasman Yacht Race 27 February 2026 The series concludes with a historic debut: the inaugural Trans-Tasman Yacht Race, a 1,270-mile blue water crossing from Sydney to Auckland. With staggered starts over three days and a finish line off the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, this new challenge cements a powerful collaboration between two of the Southern Hemisphere’s most storied sailing clubs.


A strong mixed fleet Sailors who plan to compete in this triple-threat event include Matt Hanning, owner and skipper the Beneteau First 53 Odin. Although Hanning is a newcomer to offshore racing he has hit the ground running. Odin placed fifth in IRC Division 2


Above: the new Southern Cross Series is scheduled to avoid any clashes with key offshore regattas in the Northern Hemisphere


of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Another keen competitor is


Sebastian Bohm, owner and skipper of Smuggler, a Judel/Vrolijk TP52. Bohmand his crew of “smugglers” are a formidable force on the Australian offshore scene. They won the 2024-25 Audi Centre Sydney BlueWater Pointscore and placed fifth on IRC in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Bohmsays: ‘We’re really excited about the new series — it ties in nicely with Hobart and Cabbage Tree, which are always fiercely competitive. The Ditch is a great stretch of water to race across and we couldn’t be happier to see this become a biennial pointscore. Our boat and crew live for offshore racing, so now it’s time to prepare for what’s ahead.’


The race is on More than 30 yachts have already expressed interest in the Southern Cross Series, which will be staged biennially. With a mix of proven offshore yachts and brand-new ocean racers, the competition is set to reflect the global nature of the sport. Enter the full Southern Cross Series — or compete in individual events, including: the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race or Trans-Tasman Yacht Race. Whichever course you choose, the Southern Cross will guide the way. www.cyca.com.au


❑


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150