Derwent River to host competitive fleet at Australian Yachting Championships

A fleet of our nation's best will take to the Derwent River from tomorrow in an effort to etch themselves into maritime history at the Australian Yachting Championships (AYC).

The Derwent Sailing Squadron (DSS) is set to host an impressive fleet of 25 keelboats from 3-5 January, with skippers and their crews travelling from across Australia to take part and begin the New Year on a high.

Including boats such as the 1914 classic, Maritmo Katwinchar (Southport Yacht Club), and previous champions Cockwomble (DSS) and Philosopher (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia), 2025 marks the return of the event to Hobart for the first time in several years.

For DSS Commodore, Nick Connor, the start of the event is an exciting prospect for the local sailing community.

“The Australian Yachting Championships are a great opportunity for people to visit Hobart and enjoy everything Hobart has to offer, including champagne sailing conditions on the Derwent,” said Connor.

“The unique thing about this year's regatta is that it’s an opportunity for people who have just finished the Sydney to Hobart to compete, which in itself brings together a lot of Australia’s top keelboats.

“We are excited to welcome everyone to our club and wish sailors the very best,” he said.

In addition to the impressive local boats taking part, including Emotional Rescue with a notable all-female crew, the AYC will welcome seven interstate entries to Hobart.

Vice Commodore of DSS, Steve Chau, will be sailing on IYKYK (DSS) and notes the local fleet is particularly excited to welcome some new faces to the Derwent.

“Our club has put yacht racing up front as a priority, and we’re particularly excited to host this year's event, the pinnacle event for our local yachting fleet,” said Chau.

“It has been a few years since Hobart hosted the Australian Yachting Championships, and we have quite a few local boats who are looking forward to mixing and matching with interstate competitors.

“We hope the racing will be close and that we get a chance to show off the local yachting areas to our interstate colleagues.

“It’s a special time of the year, not only for the yachting community but for our local community as well. They really rally around the event and come down to the docks to support the fleets and cheer them on, so we’re looking forward to the carnival atmosphere at the docks.”

To find out more about the AYC, click here.

To view results, click here.