<h2>142 Yachts Set for 2025 Sydney to Hobart Race – Three Point Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Elite fleet of 142 yachts confirmed for the 80th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Defending Overall champion Dr Sam Haynes returns aboard Celestial V70.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Mark Richards makes a comeback with Palm Beach XI after a two-year hiatus from the iconic 628 nautical mile race.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Massive Fleet Assembles for Milestone Edition</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has attracted its second-largest fleet this century, with 142 yachts confirmed for the Boxing Day start.</p> <p>The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announced the impressive entry list represents a significant increase of 38 boats compared to last year's field, making it the biggest fleet since the 75th anniversary edition in 2019.</p> <p>This year's Sydney Hobart yacht race features an exceptional international contingent, with 13 overseas entries from Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, USA, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Poland.</p> <p>The diverse fleet includes everything from a 121-year-old classic yacht to cutting-edge 100-foot maxis, showcasing the race's unique ability to bring together sailing's past and future.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Defending Champions and Returning Stars Set to Compete</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dr Sam Haynes, the reigning CYCA Commodore, returns as defending Overall champion aboard his Volvo 70 Celestial V70. Haynes claimed victory in the 2024 Sydney Hobart yacht race with a commanding margin of 9 hours 44 minutes and 42 seconds – the largest winning margin since the inaugural 1945 race.</p> <p>His preparation for the milestone 80th edition includes a complete sail wardrobe upgrade after experiencing delamination issues with his A3 spinnaker during last year's race.</p> <p>"The sails drive the boat. So that's going to make a big difference to the yacht and the sails themselves," Haynes explained, highlighting the significance of his investment in new racing sails for the Volvo 70.</p> <p>The yacht racing spotlight also falls on Mark Richards' dramatic return with Palm Beach XI, the yacht formerly known as Wild Oats XI.</p> <p>Richards confirmed his entry just one hour before the deadline closed, ending a two-year absence from the Sydney Hobart yacht race.</p> <p>Under his stewardship, Wild Oats XI achieved nine Line Honours victories and two Overall wins, establishing itself as one of the race's most successful campaigns.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Elite Competition Across All Divisions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race features an impressive collection of proven performers and exciting newcomers.</p> <p>Christian Beck's LawConnect, fresh from consecutive Line Honours victories in 2023 and 2024, headlines six 100-foot maxis in the fleet.</p> <p>The maxi division includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/misc/other-news/sydney-to-hobart-favourites-emerge">Master Lock Commanche</a>, Wild Thing 100, and Hong Kong's SHK Scallywag, setting up thrilling battles for Line Honours.</p> <p>Beyond the headline acts, the race showcases sailing's diversity with 11 female skippers, including Elizabeth Tucker leading an all-female crew aboard First Light.</p> <p>The fleet also features 20 Double Handed entries and the introduction of the IRC Cruiser/Racer Division, expanding competitive opportunities across different sailing disciplines.</p> <p>Bill Barry Cotter's 121-year-old Maritimo Katwinchar represents the race's historical connection, while modern additions like the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Overall winner Smuggler demonstrate the pathway from other prestigious sailing events to the Sydney Hobart yacht race.</p> <p>The 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be broadcast live on Channel Nine throughout Australia and globally via the race website and CYCA's YouTube channel, ensuring sailing fans worldwide can follow this milestone edition from Sydney Harbour to Constitution Dock in Hobart.</p>