2023 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Race on ‘Merit’
Race onboard the Volvo 60 ‘Merit’ in the world-famous classic Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Be part of the crew on a thoroughbred racer – you’ll be fully involved in sailing the boat.
*** This is not a commercial charter. Michael Schwarzel is campaigning the boat privately. Each crew member contributes only to the cost of participating in the event. ***
Only 5 places left!
Or phone 0488 068719
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an occasion as much as a race. Each Boxing Day (26th December) a flotilla of sleek yachts races out of Sydney Harbour, following Australia’s east coast down to Tasmania, where the yachts arrive in the city of Hobart in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. This race is about more than sails and speed – it brings Sydney and Hobart to life as they celebrate one of the country’s great sporting events.
Don’t be left sitting on the sidelines watching from your armchair. Be part of the spectacle and get in on the action on ‘Merit’.

Your crew contribution includes:
- Race Entry fees
- Training
- Racing shirt and cap
- 24-hour 150 nautical mile qualifying passage
- Passage back from Hobart to Sydney (optional)
The training camp
Five days of intense training covering all the basics of sail handling and yacht racing. This program incorporates a 150 nautical mile qualifying passage.
Your Skipper
Owner/Skipper Michael Schwarzel holds a Royal Yachting Association Offshore Yachtmaster Certificate and is a qualified sailing instructor.
Experience? He’s crossed oceans, won trophies, dealt with those moments at sea you’d rather avoid, plus rebuilt ‘Merit’ almost from scratch after Cyclone Debbie. With his ‘plan, prepare, execute’ approach, even novices feel safe and have an excellent time participating on board.
2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on 'Merit' - the Schedule
Whitsundays to Southport
6th – 12th December
Delivery trip (optional; extra contribution mile builder $1750)
Southport to Sydney
15th – 20th December
Qualifying Passage (included in contribution)
Training Days
21st – 22nd December
Sydney Harbour (included in contribution)
Sydney Hobart Race
26th – 30th December
Counting on 3 days only
Hobart to Sydney
2nd – 7th January
Return trip (included in contribution)
Sydney to Southport
9th – 13th January
Return trip (optional; extra contribution mile builder, $1250)
Southport to Whitsundays
16th – 21st January
Return trip (optional; extra contribution mile builder, $1500)
Prerequisites
- wet weather gear
- SSSC (safety cert.)
- sailing experience (min. RYA Competent Crew Course if no sailing experience)
Recommended
- PFD
- strop
- PLB
- travel insurance

“Wow! … Thank you for the experience of a lifetime.”
“I’d never been sailing before, much less on a vessel built for speed. What a truly enjoyable experience.”
“Don’t miss this great opportunity to experience offshore yacht racing at its best.”
*** Credit for the images of The Moreton Group on ‘Merit’ goes to the fabulous Lucinda Bartkaitas of LB Designs, who travelled as a guest of The Moreton Group. Lu is one gutsy photographer! ***