Why sailors give up Christmas

by Andrew Rice, The Athletic
When you’re about to head into the teeth of a yacht race like the Sydney Hobart Race, it helps to have a sense of humor.

Asked how he sleeps on the eve of the race, Sam Haynes told The Athletic: “Like a baby… I wake up every couple of hours screaming.”

A wry sense of humor is an essential tool in a sport where you have to take whatever the weather throws at you. The weather on this annual 600-nautical-mile passage from Sydney to Hobart, the small capital city on the island of Tasmania, can be brutal.

The timing of the race can also be harsh, depending on how highly you rate Christmas Day. Given the fleet of 142 boats is scheduled to set out from Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Boxing Day, there is no such thing as a relaxing family Christmas for those taking part. – Full report

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The 2025 Sydney Hobart Race extends 628-nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania. The start on December 26 takes place in the heart of the Australian summer, with 142 entrants planning to take on the 80th edition.