2025 Melbourne to Hobart | Race Updates

Follow the Melbourne to Hobart fleet on Blue Water Tracks.

Race Start Update | Saturday 27 December 1500hours

The Jackal / Photo by Neville Rose

The 53rd Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster is officially underway, with an exciting and competitive start unfolding on Port Phillip.

At the gun, Faster Forward was slightly early to the line and was recalled to complete a turn, opening the door for The Jackal to surge through and establish an early lead. Quick to recover, Faster Forward hoisted their Code Zero and rapidly closed the gap as the fleet charged toward the first mark. Approaching the rounding, The Jackal, holding a narrow advantage, successfully called for buoy room and led the fleet around the mark, setting the tone for what promises to be a closely fought competition.

The early duel continued as the fleet headed south, with The Jackal—a Kerr 11.3 skippered by Matt Setton—maintaining momentum to become first through the Heads, claiming the Port Phillip Sea Pilots Trophy, just ahead of Faster Forward. With the two rivals closely matched, the battle at the front is shaping up to be one of the highlights of this year’s race.