Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2026
Chase the thrill of Australia's most prestigious ocean race from the perfect vantage point - the water! Join Ahoy Club for an unforgettable Boxing Day experience watching the world's finest ocean racing yachts.
Partnership with Comanche
Each year on Boxing Day, hundreds of spectators line the shoreline and the Heads to witness the dramatic start as a fleet of world-class yachts sets sail for Hobart.
This year, Ahoy Club is proud to partner with Comanche, the legendary maxi yacht and multiple line honours winner. Known for her speed, cutting-edge design, and dominance on the racecourse, Comanche is a true icon of competitive sailing.
Unbeatable Harbour Views
Get unbeatable views of the race start right on the harbour
VIP Experience
Soak up the excitement alongside sailing enthusiasts and VIP guests
Premium Service
Enjoy premium catering, open bar packages, and attentive service
Recommended Yachts for Sydney to Hobart
Our curated selection of yachts perfect for your Sydney to Hobart race experience
About the Race
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is Australia's most iconic and challenging offshore racing event. Since 1945, this 628-nautical-mile race from Sydney Heads to Tasmania's Derwent River has captivated the world's finest sailors and maritime enthusiasts.
On Boxing Day, the harbour transforms into a spectacle of unbridled energy as the fleet departs. The perfect moment to witness maritime excellence from an unforgettable vantage point. Watching from your own luxury yacht offers front-row access to the race start, spectacular harbour views, and the unique opportunity to experience one of the world's most prestigious sailing events.
Ahoy Club provides premium positioning, gourmet hospitality, champagne celebrations, and dedicated crew expertise to make your Sydney to Hobart experience truly exceptional.
Sydney to Hobart Charter Features
Premium Sydney to Hobart packages designed for an unforgettable race experience on Sydney Harbour
Luxury Yacht Options
Private or shared yacht options for groups of all sizes
Convenient Departures
Departures from convenient Sydney Harbour locations
Professional Crew
Professional crew to navigate prime viewing positions
Premium Catering
Catering and beverage packages tailored to your preferences
Sydney to Hobart charter questions
- How much does it cost to charter a boat for the Sydney to Hobart start?
- Ahoy Club's Sydney to Hobart spectator charters start from A$3,500 per hour aboard Rascal, which takes up to 60 guests, and from A$3,700 per hour aboard Legacy, which takes up to 105. Both are crewed day charters on Sydney Harbour for the Boxing Day race start.
- When does the Sydney to Hobart race start?
- The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts on Boxing Day, 26 December, on Sydney Harbour every year. The fleet gathers in the harbour before the start and heads out through the Heads, which is why the harbour itself is the place to watch it from.
- Can you watch the Sydney to Hobart start from a boat?
- Yes, and it is the best vantage point there is. The start line is on Sydney Harbour and the spectator fleet follows the yachts down the harbour and out through the Heads. From the water you see the fleet at close quarters rather than from a crowded headland.
- How many guests can you take on a Sydney to Hobart charter?
- Up to 60 guests aboard Rascal and up to 105 aboard Legacy. Both are chartered fully crewed, so catering and hospitality are arranged for you rather than being something you organise yourself.
- How far ahead should you book a Sydney to Hobart charter?
- Early. Boxing Day and New Year's Eve are the two busiest days of the Sydney Harbour season, the number of suitable spectator yachts is fixed, and no amount of budget creates another one. If you want a particular yacht for the race start, enquire well before the season rather than close to December.
How charter pricing works is explained on our charter fees page, and lead times for peak dates on how far ahead to book.
Ready to experience the Sydney to Hobart?
Our concierge team will arrange the perfect luxury yacht experience for this iconic Boxing Day race start celebration.