Rolex Sydney Hobart
Chris Taylor’s reaction to the news that his Pogo 40 Le Tiroflan was the 80th yacht entered in the 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR), was tinged with humour.
“That’s hilarious,” Taylor said, and added, “Hopefully we’re not going to place 80th.”
A few days later during an interview at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), home of the RSHYR, Taylor sounded more optimistic about the 80/80 connection.
“It’s quite a good omen,” he said.
“It’s lucky the way the stars have aligned.”
Chris Taylor at the helm. Credit: Dave Brogran/CYCA
New crew in 2025
Taylor is a relative newcomer to blue water racing. The 2025 anniversary race will be his second Rolex Sydney Hobart. He bought Le Tiroflan from three French owners in Noumea in 2023 and sailed the yacht in his first RSHYR last year.
In the 2024 race, Le Tiroflan placed third on PHS Overall, second on PHS Division 2 and fourth on Corinthian PHS, a result that came as “a total surprise” to Taylor and his crew of five – Johnny Simonovski, Andrew Cain, Michael Formosa, Brett Sheridan and Jason Swartz.
“We were totally stoked with that,” Taylor said.
Chris Taylor enjoying an afternoon sail. Credit – Le Tiroflan
Taylor’s outstanding offshore results were awarded at the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore (ACSBWPS) prizegiving earlier this year, where he was presented with the Ocean Rookie of the Year. This trophy goes to someone who has campaigned their own boat for the first time in the ACSBWPS.
After such early success, Taylor can’t wait to try his hand at the 628 nautical mile race the second time.
However, he has had to recruit five new crew members due to his former team’s commitments to family and work. The new faces are David Walker, Victoriano Arranz, David Alais, Marcus Jones and Taylor Hodgkinson.
Praise for the Rolex Sydney Hobart
Taylor’s passion for the RSHYR is infectious. He referred to it as “a type two of enjoyment” – where an activity provides a sense of accomplishment in retrospect.
“It’s like marathon runners. They get to their third hill and think – what am I doing here? But when they finish, it’s that real type two of enjoyment,” Taylor said. “I think there’s an element of that particularly when you’re beating into your 10th hour of strong headwind in choppy and confused seas. You really have to draw on that endurance.”
Beyond the Rolex Sydney Hobart
As to what’s next for Le Tiroflan after the 80th RSHYR, Taylor has an open mind. He would not be closed off to more ocean racing, like the Trans-Tasman Yacht Race (as part of the inaugural Southern Cross Series) in February 2026. But whether his work and family commitments will allow for it, time will tell.
“I’m taking one step at a time,” he said.
The Le Tiroflan bow team in action. Credit – Dave Brogan/CYCA
Meet the Le Tiroflan crew
The 2025 RSHYR Le Tiroflan crew members shared their thoughts on the race.
David Walker: “I’m proud to be on board the 80th entrant in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – a journey that never loses its magic. This is my 13th Hobart, having first competed on board the X41 Patrice Six in 2009, where my love for offshore racing truly began. I’ve had the privilege of sailing in some of the world’s great blue water classics. But there’s something uniquely special about heading south to Hobart.”
Game face on for crew member David Walker. Credit – Le Tiroflan
Victoriano Arranz: “I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for my first Rolex Sydney Hobart. It’s a dream come true to take on this challenge. I have no doubt this milestone will test and push me to my limits.”
David Alais: “Doing the Rolex Sydney Hobart is such a thrill. The bonds you make with your crewmates are lifelong, and the party in Hobart is always a blast.”
Marcus Jones: “Absolutely frothing to be taking part in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart. As a Kiwi, it’s a dream to race one of the world’s toughest ocean passages across the strait. I can’t wait to hit the start line with the crew and send it south.”
Taylor Hodgkinson: “I am jumping on Le Tiroflan for my first Hobart. I’ve been sailing since I was 10-years-old and have always grown up watching the Rolex Sydney Hobart start with my family. I’m very excited to be able be able to compete this year.”
From left to right: Marcus Jones and Taylor Hodgkinson. Credit – Le Tiroflan
Enter today
There are currently 85 entries in the 2025 RSHYR and more are coming in every day.
Le Tiroflan speeding down Sydney Harbour. Credit – CYCA
To be in contention for the 2025/26 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore (which includes the RSHYR), block entries must be submitted before the Flinders Islet Race on Saturday, 20 September.
Enter the RSHYR here.
Click here for more information on the Southern Cross Series.
