Sydney to Hobart participant smacks down 'incorrect' claim about iconic yacht race

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is a Boxing Day tradition, right up there with the MCG Test, leftover ham and the Christmas hangover that just won’t quit. Even if you lived hundreds of kilometres from the coast and got seasick running a bath, chances are you’d switch on the TV and catch the spectacular sight of the fleet making its way out of Sydney Harbour and turning right for the 630 nautical mile trip to Hobart.

You'd keep a loose ear and eye on the updates and watch pictures of the winning boats enter Constitution Dock just before New Year's Eve. But somewhere along the line, the race appears to have lost its charm and appeal for the average punter.

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Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons posted a poll on X this week, asking followers their level of interest in the Sydney to Hobart. At last check, the box for 'not remotely interested' had attracted 70 per cent of the vote, with 'less interested than ever' second on 15 per cent.

Only a little over two per cent claimed to be more interest than ever. The common complaint from those who have no time for the race is it's for 'rich boys and their toys' or 'rich middle-aged guys trying to stave off a mid-life crisis'.

There's no doubt the boats at the pointy end – the multi-million-dollar maxis – are the domain of the mega-wealthy. Their crew consists professional sailors who are well paid to travel the world competing for their owners.

'Sticky' crew member smacks down perception of Sydney to Hobart

But the perception the Sydney to Hobart is only for the cashed-up is way off the mark. The majority of the 103-strong fleet are amateur sailors who sign up each year for the challenge of competing – and completing – the world's most arduous ocean race.

Most pay for the privilege while taking time off work. Sydney carpenter Matt Bassett is one of those proud 'weekend warriors'. He will crew aboard the 50ft 'Sticky' in his 16th journey across Bass Strait.

"The front of the fleet has your elite professionals but if you go down a couple of pegs you've got your amateurs and knockabouts," Bassett told Yahoo Sport Australia. "They call us the weekend warriors but the only reason we don't sail more is due to work and family commitments.

"Most of the amateurs are good sailors and enjoy taking on the pros and trying to knock them off. I don’t get frustrated or angry when people call it a rich man's sport but it's not totally correct.

"There's obviously a lot of money tied up with some of these boats but the average person is out there doing their best and paying their own way. They all have real jobs to go back to."

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