sydney to hobart yacht race crew wanted

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Crewing Opportunities

The cyca crewing program has been developed to assist people to connect with yacht owners and start crewing. this program is available for both individuals new to our sport and for experienced sailors. , how do i start crewing.

There are two ways to engage with the CYCA crewing program:

• You can contact the CYCA Sailing Office on 02 8292 7800 and the team will endeavor to find you a place on a yacht.
• Come down to the Club on race days – we recommend 2 hours before the start on Wednesdays in Summer and Sundays in Winter. Information on the Club’s series can be found here . Once at the Club you can approach skippers directly, approach Sailing Office staff or alternatively approach the Sailing Concierge . The Sailing Concierge can be found on the hardstand and runs each Wednesday evening throughout Summer for the Wednesday Twilights and each Sunday morning throughout Winter for the CYCA Winter Series. The Concierge will be able to direct sailors to boats looking for crew, introduce them to the owner and be able to answer any questions regarding the series a crew member may have.

We welcome all sailors, whether new or experienced and look forward to you joining us at the CYCA.

If you are interested in the Concierge Program, please complete this form and our Sailing Office will be in touch with you.

What about Crewing Offshore and Regularly?

How do I find a yacht to sail on or find crew for my yacht?

Mysail.team  provides a general availability option for use by both crew and owners who can post a notice looking for casual or regular crew across the CYCA sailing programs, as well as delivery crew opportunities.

For more information head to Mysail.team to signup and explore what is available.

Crew registered on MySail.team looking for yachts:

Yachts registered on MySail.team looking for crew :

I want to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart or overnight races, what opportunities are there for me?

To be invited to crew in the Blue Water Pointscore races you will normally need to have had some offshore racing experience such as the Short Ocean or Ocean Pointscore, and your chances will be enhanced if you have some or all of the following: Cat 1 or Cat 2 Offshore experience or significant delivery passages; Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival Certification, current Senior / Apply First Aid qualifications, and Radio Certification such as the MROCP.

Your availability to participate in the Blue Water Pointscore Series (overnight distance races around 80-180nm) will often enhance your chances of gaining a position on a crew in the major yacht races.

Opportunities available for International crew are often limited as many yachts decide on crew well ahead of time and train regularly, however having your details on file at the CYCA will certainly improve your chances.

The CYCA Sailing Office can not guarantee you a place on a yacht and does not guarantee that crew invitations will be available at regular intervals.

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Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race

• Posted on December 11, 2020

The History of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an iconic sailing event that has occurred annually since 1945. Originating in Sydney Harbour, the race follows a 628-nautical mile journey down the east coast of Australia to end at Harbour in Hobart. It is one of the toughest yachting endurance races in the world. Sailors must be prepared for any weather conditions or treacherous seas that present themselves along the way. With over 300 boats participating every year, each battling for their own victory. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is a timeless event in competitive sailing.

Each year, the mass of boats leave from Sydney Harbour on a dash down the coast to Tasmania. It offers unforgettable sights and incredible experiences. Have you ever wanted to be a part of this experience? It might seem out of reach — until you realize there is still Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race crew places. It is available at Flying Fish Sailing, a premier source of training and yacht charters.

Our two-week campaign package gives you the experience of being part of a race crew. Not for the faint of heart, this is a challenging race that requires some intensive preparation. In the first week, you’ll learn all about how the race works and how the yacht handles through days of prep and drills. The race begins in the second week, and it’s time for our crew to set sail. As we track down the coast and experience the joy of sailing the open ocean. You’ll get a hands-on experience from start to finish. When we arrive in Hobart to join in the celebrations. You’ll have plenty to be proud of — completing this race is indeed an achievement.

Why Do People Compete in Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event and a great way for sailors around the world. To challenge themselves, test their mettle, and compete with the best. This race takes competitors through pristine waters from the northeastern coast of Australia, down to the island state of Tasmania. It’s grueling yet gratifying when you push yourself beyond your natural limits. It often discovering inner strength and resilience you weren’t aware you had. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and accepting that failure may also come. It will enable participants to learn, grow and further develop as individuals. Aside from personal growth and satisfaction, competing in such a high-profile race. You’ll be with some of sailing’s most experienced skippers. Contestants can gain worldwide recognition both in the sailing community and beyond.

How Do Sailors Prepare for the Race?

Preparing for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is not a task that should be taken. It is an endeavor to be undertaken with great care and precision. While some vessels may have the latest navigation technology and modern amenities. Sailors must also take the time to develop proper training strategies. And understand professional race tactics to succeed. Additionally, all team members are expected to adhere to safety protocols. By bringing essential equipment on board. Becoming familiar with each other’s experience levels as well as their individual roles. Endurance training is also fundamental in preparing physically for the tough challenge ahead. So that sailors are capable of long-term concentration while handling stressful situations competently. With thorough planning, allocating resources, and dedicating oneself. Most importantly, your mental and emotional condition throughout the process. Sailors can set themselves up for success in this unique yet coveted ocean racing environment!

What Happens on Race Day?

Race day is an exciting time for participants of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race! Competitors will mobilize pre-dawn and make final preparations before heading out and down the coast. Early morning light will be a beacon of illumination. Inspiring confidence in the participants as they embark on their journey south. The race organizers provide continual support. Ensuring that each team operates at peak performance from start to finish. The immense thrill and challenge that comes with racing. Across the open ocean, terrain awaits those who take part in this iconic event. Providing a truly exceptional experience for everyone involved!

The aftermath of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Finishing the Sydney to Hobart yacht race is a feat few sailors can say they have accomplished. With any race comes the aftermath, including mental and physical exhaustion. After months of preparation and a grueling journey. Through some of the world’s most challenging waters, post-race recovery is both important and necessary. Taking time to reflect on personal achievements and milestones is mentally beneficial. Additionally, it’s essential to watch your physical health. After such an intense event rehydrating and getting plenty of rest. By focusing on your well-being this way, you can transition back into everyday life. Without feeling overwhelmed or underprepared for the challenges ahead.

Are you ready to experience the magic of sailing in one of the world’s most prestigious maritime events? Contact us today to learn more about our Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. We can’t wait to see you have fun at this adventurous event.

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Meet azzurro's 2023 rolex sydney hobart crew.

Jack Kliner

Jack’s passion for sailing began in his early teens, sailing anything he could get a ride on around Sydney harbour. It did not take long for Jack to catch the sailing bug, and soon enough he was enrolled with Eastsail doing his RYA competent crew and racing in regular twilight races. Fast forward a few years and Jack achieved his RYA Offshore Yacthmaster certificate and worked for Eastsail out of Rushcutters Bay part time whilst also studying Structural engineering at the University of Sydney. Jack has competed in multiple Brisbane to Gladstones and Sydney to Hobarts, and loves the challenges that ocean sailing presents. A family friend introduced Jack to the beautiful S&S34 design, and after much research and a great test sail was convinced that this was one of the best boat designs from a safety and racing perspective. Jack previously skippered the family boat Morning Star and now Azzurro, which successfully came 1st overall on ORCi and 3rd overall on IRC in the 23’ 75th Brisbane to Gladstone.

"My goal is to have a competitive and safe sail South to Hobart with a crew full of mates.

The S&S 34 design is a tough boat. We have supercharged the boat and optimised it for ocean yacht racing. Together with one of the most experienced and youthful crews, I think we can win our and the Corinthian Division. I also think we will do well overall in IRC."

Jessica Watson (OAM)

Best known for sailing an S&S 34 Ella’s Pink Lady solo, non-stop around the world aged 16, Jess has completed two Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht races, one as skipper of the youngest team to compete in the race.

Although she loves sailing more than ever, these day’s Jess ‘sensible day job’ in Deloitte’s Human Capital consulting team keeps her in the office during the week with weekends spent club racing on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay and working on her own S&S 34 Credence .

"A Rolex Sydney to Hobart on an S&S 34 is an absolute bucket list adventure. Azzurro is such a brilliant and well-loved little boat! It’s Azzurro that I’ve followed closely on the Hobart race tracker in recent years, so jumping onboard this year seemed like one of those silly, fantastic ideas that makes perfect sense."

Steve Quiros

Steve’s passion for sailing branched off his love of the ocean when Jack took him for a cruise on his previous S&S 34, Morning Star. Since then, he spends a lot of his free time cruising around Moreton Bay in Brisbane, as well as crewing on both Morning Star and Azzurro in various races such as Brisbane to Gladstone, Surf to City and the Kingfisher Series. Over time, he has accrued several thousand cruising and training miles and is currently focused on achieving his RYA Yachtmaster certification. He is also a qualified RYA Day Skipper.   Steve enjoys the physical, mental, and tactical challenges that sailing brings as well as the continuous learning that is required. When he's not sailing, Steve is working as a consulting chartered structural engineer.

"It is very exciting to have such a talented group of people together to steer our little boat down to Hobart. I truly believe we possess all the necessary tools, expertise, and drive within the crew to really bring home some great results on board Azzurro. 

I personally really look forward to having a fun and safe trip, share some great times together and hopefully score some silverware in the process. At the very least, I have promised the crew to always bring snacks to share when sitting on the rail” 

Sailing Master

Samuel Duncan

A lifelong sailor, Sam started in International cadets into 420’s, I14’s and keelboats and has competed in the 2016 RSHYR on Jazz Player. With 5+ years of Marine industry experience and a qualified shipwright and studied Mechanical Engineering, Sam brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Sam's goals in joining the crew on Azzurro are to be part of a smaller team and to be involved in a more well rounded role in the boat's performance after having spent most of his early sailing career forward of the mast and has enjoyed transitioning to a trimming and nav role over the last two years.

"My goals in joining the crew on Azzurro are to be part of a smaller team and to be involved in a more well rounded role in the boat's performance. I have spent most of my early sailing career forward of the mast and have enjoyed transitioning to a trimming and nav role over the last two years.  I am also enjoying having a long-term goal to train towards, both physically and mentally. 

The other perk is meeting like-minded team members and sharing all the challenges, decisions and excitement as a crew. 

Keep the boat under the mast!"

Mast and Pit

Xavier Doerr

Xavier is a keen offshore yachtie, with the 2023 Sydney to Hobart race marking his fourth crack at the great race. He has raced everything he can get his hands on - from maxi yachts to mini yachts! Most recently, Xavier has been solo sailing around Australia, making it 3/4 of the way around the country before hitting trouble in the testing Southern Ocean.

Xavier loves what he does and can’t wait to race! 

"Have fun and love what you do"

Annie Eastgate

Annie started her sailing career onboard her dad’s wooden Scow Moth floating around Waterloo Bay. She quickly caught the bug for competitive sailing, moving into Sabots, 420 and Lasers, finding success along the way.

After several years campaigning the women’s Laser Radial on an international stage, she moved into coaching and currently works for Australian Sailing and the Queensland Academy of Sport as a Performance Pathway coach. When she’s not coaching on the water, she’s still sailing anything from VX Ones to Extreme40's. 

“Following the Sydney to Hobart race has been a lifelong family tradition and finally being a part of the race feels like a dream come true!”

Onshore team

Onshore Manager

Mark Kliner

Mark Kliner is a passionate sailor who has made a name for himself in the world of competitive sailing in the East Coast of Australia. Born and raised in the UK, Mark's love for the sport began during his school days when he started participating in sailing competitions. His early experiences on the water instilled in him a deep connection with the sea and sparked a desire to pursue sailing as a lifelong endeavor.

Mark's dedication to sailing led him to become a qualified skipper, acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the seas safely. With his extensive training and experience, he has honed his sailing techniques and developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of yacht racing.

He regularly competes in short-duration races, pushing his skills to the limit and testing his mettle against other talented sailors. These races provide him with an opportunity to showcase his expertise and continually improve his performance.

Mark takes on the responsibility of boat maintenance, ensuring Azzurro is in top condition for every race. He understands the significance of a well-maintained boat and the impact it can have on performance. Additionally, Mark is responsible for handling the logistics and resupplying of the yacht.

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So you want to sail the Sydney Hobart…

So, you want to do a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race?

For many sailors, the Sydney Hobart is considered the pinnacle of offshore racing. Whether you want to do a bucket list race or it’s recurring affair, the allure of the Sydney Hobart draws sailors from near and far to make the epic journey south.

But, it’s not a race to be taken lightly.

The yachts and crew often cop a beating heading down the NSW East Coast, through the Bass Strait, around Tasman Island and across the aptly named Storm Bay. One of the worst squalls I’ve ever seen was in the Derwent River which is usually known for the frustration it causes due to lack of wind as crews try to get to the finish line. You never know what’s going to come your way.

Before you set off, especially if it’s your first time, you want – and need – to be prepared.

Moreover, you’re very unlikely to get a crewing position if you’re not well prepared and experienced enough to make the voyage, nor should you attempt to join a team that’s lackadaisical about experience and preparedness on their yacht.

Let’s look at some of the things you, as a crew member, can do to get yourself onboard a yacht and make sure you’re prepared for the race.

1. Build up your experience

If you’re looking to head to Hobart, or any significant offshore race, offshore sailing experience is your friend.

To qualify to complete in the Sydney Hobart, at least 50% of the yacht’s crew are required to have completed a Category 1 race or an equivalent passage.

If you are new or relatively new to sailing, don’t set your sights on doing a Sydney Hobart right away. Not only does this pose a potential risk to yourself and others, but you’re very unlikely to find a crew position if you don’t have significant offshore experience.

Start out with shorter offshore races or passages, then work your way up to longer offshore races or overnight passages.

Delivery trips are a great way to gain offshore experience. There are lots of yachts looking for help to get back from Hobart, and this is a great stepping stone to gain experience before doing the race. However, delivery trips aren’t without risks, so make sure you’re adequately prepared for the voyage and there are experienced sailors on-board who are familiar with the yacht.

I cover some tips and steps on how to gain experience and work your way up to doing a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the MySail blog .

2. Get some sailing qualifications

In order to enter the Sydney Hobart, at least of 50% of the crew need to hold a valid Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival Certificate or an approved equivalent.

In addition, at least two crew members need to hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent qualification, or be a practising medical practitioner, and two crew need to hold a Long-Range Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) or higher qualification.

Gaining these qualifications give you a competitive edge on the competition when looking for a crew position.

You’ll also gain important skills and knowledge that will be useful on-board.

3. Find a crew position

Your next challenge is to find a crew position.

Most yachts build a committed team early in the season and then sail together in regattas and offshore races leading up to the Sydney Hobart.

It’s a requirement for any yacht entering the Sydney Hobart to complete a qualifying race of not less than 150 nautical miles, or qualifying passage not less than 24 hours, in the six months prior to the event.

Look for a yacht that has the Sydney Hobart in their race program, and try to get on-board early in the season. Most yachts will require their Sydney Hobart crew to commit to all of the lead-up races, especially the offshore ones.

You can look at the CYCA’s Sydney Hobart website for a list of race entrants, or a previous year’s list, to see who is, or is likely to do the race. Also check out the Sydney Hobart race page on MySail and add your profile there so skippers who are looking for crew can find you. Nothing beats meeting with people face-to-face, so head down to the CYCA or your local yacht club and start building and working on your network.

4. Prepare for the race; body, mind and soul

If you are working towards doing a Sydney Hobart, make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the race by the time December 26 rolls around.

Physical preparation will help you cope with the fatigue and physical exertion required. Building good physical fitness, strength and stamina will help you keep going over several days, and help you recover after arriving in Hobart.

Get involved in as much of the yacht preparation as you can. Helping with maintenance and boat preparation will help you learn where things are and how things work; a great asset when you need to do something in a hurry, in a big sea, in the dark.

Lastly, with all of the preparation it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take some time to make sure that you’re well rested and in a good frame of mind when the race starts.

5. Get your gear ready

Doing a Sydney Hobart is not supposed to be easy, or comfortable, but there are a few things you can do to stay as warm, comfortable and safe as possible during the race.

There is a lot of good gear on the market to help you stay warm and dry, so do your research and get a good set of wet weather gear. You will need a PFD fitted with a tether and PLB (personal locator beacon) which are required by all crew, and may want to consider getting a personal AIS which provides your location back to the yacht if you go overboard.

You might also want to carry other gear such as a blunt, serrated knife, watch, head torch with red light setting and personal seasickness medication. I wear a (very stylish) bum bag to carry this gear and my PLB, which is easy to grab if you need to go on deck in a hurry.

Make sure you have adequate layers and warm gear; thermals are extremely light and easy to pack, and will keep you warm. You’ll be very glad for these warm layers when a southerly front hits in southern Tasmania.

Don’t forget about your extremities either. I always take a waterproof hat, socks and gloves. If you get water in your boots the socks will keep your feet warm and dry. Especially for the women with long hair, a waterproof hat helps keep salt water out of your hair and your head warm and dry.

Pack your clothing and gear in waterproof or large ziplock bags to keep it organised and dry. This helps when storing gear in small compartments, makes it quick and easy to find gear in a hurry, and will stop dampness from infiltrating everything you own.

No matter how prepared you are, inevitably something will go wrong! But, that’s where all of your preparedness really comes in handy. With the right experience, knowledge and attitude amongst the crew, you’ll be able to tackle tough situations and have a great race.

Safe sailing and I look forward to seeing you on Constitution Dock in 2019!

– Deborah Dalziel https://mysail.team/

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Happy Go takes the Double - Winning Line Honours and IRC Overall in the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

HONG KONG , March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in 14 years, the Line Honours winner of the Rolex China Sea Race has 'done the double' and picked up the IRC Overall as well! 

After a well fought 'chase and overtake' competition from the start till the finish, Happy Go finished the Race on 30 March at 05hr20m53s, a mere five minutes ahead of their rival all along the way down to Subic Bay, Standard Insurance Centennial V .

On her corrected time, of 2days 18hours 0mins 53 seconds, none of other IRC boats competing can beat her time in this 565 nautical mile race.

Nie Hua and crew lifted both the China Sea Trophy and Sunday Telegraph Trophy at the prizegiving ceremony held at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.  Nie Hua was also presented with two Rolex timepieces.  The last time a boat achieved the double win was in 2010 when Neil Pryde competed with his boat HiFi .

Nie Hua was ecstatic about taking both big prizes in their only their second entry into the Rolex China Sea Race, saying "We have made a lot of preparations ahead of the Race but getting Line Honours and the IRC Overall title is completely out of my expectations!  I would like to give a huge applause to the crew working on board.  I am absolutely thrilled and so thankful. We had a great team, although we had some language barriers, we operated well, so a big thank you to the team!"

Skipper Jono Rankine added his praises for the crew "Very proud of how the team came together, it's a relatively new team and everyone did a fantastic job and there were no egos on the boat and everyone was helping each other and doing a really good job.  It was really satisfying to see."

Chinese Entry William Liu's Seawolf claimed 2nd IRC Overall. Happy Go , Seawolf and Standard Insurance Centennial V also came 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in IRC Racer 0.

The bulk of the fleet is still racing so there are more division winners to be calculated over the course of the coming days.

2024 marks the 62nd anniversary of this world-renowned blue water classic.  This flagship event is organised by the cosmopolitan Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong.  Rolex has been a partner of the Club since 2007 and Title Sponsor of its flagship Race since 2008.Telegraph Trophy. A Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the first boat under IRC Overall handicap and first Monohull Line Honours.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2024, please visit  www.rolexchinasearace.com .

High resolution photos can be downloaded from the below link: https://rhkycorghk-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/vivian_ngan_rhkyc_org_hk/EgIsFiFxeJNHgWSpBSBftVQBzMpo_wCQE64jRyNpH60UzQ?e=Ng7bRa

Photos credit: ROLEX / Andrea Francolini

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong , with a rich, colourful history that spans 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. The RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages – both members and non-members – to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie . Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia , Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

ABOUT ROLEX 

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva , the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word "Perpetual" is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf , the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland , the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

Oli the cat completes Sydney to Hobart yacht race to fanfare at dock, after a week at sea

The first Sydney to Hobart yacht came in days ago and the fanfare on Hobart's waterfront has died down, but that hasn't dampened the welcome for feline entrant and fan favourite Oli.

Oli the cat completed the bluewater classic with his owner Bob Williams on Sylph VI just before 8:30am.

It was the last yacht across the finish line in a time of seven days, 19 hours, 26 minutes and 15 seconds, after a torturously slow trip up the River Derwent.

Mr Williams was emotional upon his arrival in Hobart.

"I don't know why, I think it's about the cat, actually," he said.

"I think it's quite amazing how people have taken a shine to Oli, it's not something I expected.

"For me, Oli is part of my crew, part of the boat."

Oli, Bob and crew were greeted by about 40 wellwishers, and a banner declaring them the winners of the "feline division".

Among them was Del Smith, who travelled from Margate, 30 minutes south of Hobart, to reward Oli with treats, toys and a letter from her own cat, Miffy.

"Obviously he was at sea for Christmas and I just wanted to give him a little gift," she said.

"Well done Oli."

And the crew of another Sydney to Hobart yacht, Showdown, left Oli a personalised cat carrier so he could join in the traditional post-race beer at Customs House pub.

Co-skipper Chris Warren said it was a fantastic way to arrive on his birthday.

"The welcome this morning's been particularly special, with people singing Oli a song as we crossed the finish line after having a pretty long, slow trip up the river," he said.

From 'ordinary little moggie' to 'international celebrity'

Oli is a seasoned sailor who has called the yacht home for about five years.

Mr Williams said the cat was just an "ordinary little moggie" who was his friend and mate, but the international attention was nice.

"We'd heard on the grapevine that Oli had attracted a bit of attention and so, I guess, crossed a few lines in terms of who's interested in the Sydney to Hobart," he said.

"But I really didn't expect him to have such a big fanbase when we got here and it was really quite overwhelming."

He believes Oli made the race feel accessible to the wider community.

"Me and the cat are just a couple of ordinary people."

Mr Warren has a simpler theory.

"I think cats win the internet, that's all I can come up with."

Photographs and videos show Oli luxuriating on a green couch, helping Mr Williams navigate and soaking up some love and cuddles.

While light winds and sloppy seas made for a frustrating journey for the human crew, for Oli, it was damage caused to his litter tray.

"A kind lady has offered to go and buy him a new cat tray," Mr Williams said.

Mr Warren said it was an eye-opener to sail through four or five-metre waves and have Mr Williams declare that they were not that big.

"That and having Oli jump on me and wake me up while I was in my bunk — scared the life out of me!"

Is Oli the first cat in the Sydney to Hobart?

While it's an impressive achievement for a small cat, Oli is by no means the first feline sailor in the race.

There are media records of at least one other cat taking part, as far back as 1947, in the second Sydney to Hobart race.

The article, from the Pittsworth Sentinel on January 10, 1947, reported "the cat in the crew belonged to Mr and Mrs Brian O'Brien, of the gaff ketch, Connella".

The O'Briens mentioned were husband and wife duo Brian (Mick) O'Brien and Dagmar O'Brien.

The O'Briens, along with their cat, were forced to retire in Bass Strait and did not complete the race.

If Dagmar O'Brien had finished the race she would have done so in the same year as Jane Tate — who is remembered as the first female competitor to finish the race.

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