New Zealand entry Vixen Racing has settled into her first Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race after a frustrating opening phase that tested both crew and systems.
The modified Verdier 40 was slow away from the line, with skipper Sharon Ferris-Choat describing the start as “horrible” after the A2 failed to deploy as the fleet cleared Sydney Heads. The problem cost early momentum and forced the crew into recovery mode almost immediately.
“After a horrible start with our A2 failing to deploy, we’re clawing our way back,” Ferris-Choat told Boating New Zealand.
By 9am AEST, Vixen was sailing in 15.6 knots of true wind from 166 degrees, making 8 knots over the ground on a 139-degree course. While the early setback hurt, the crew focused on getting the boat back into rhythm as conditions changed.
Overnight, the breeze eased but the sea state remained uncomfortable, with heavy slamming through the hull.
“Life on board feels like walking like a crab,” Ferris-Choat told us, noting that stronger conditions were forecast later, with winds expected to build to around 30 knots.
Despite the challenges, the crew remains in good shape and fully focused on the race ahead.
As the fleet stretched south, Vixen continued to claw back distance. She is now racing at around six knots, positioned approximately 38 nautical miles east of Batemans Bay. At the latest update, Vixen sat 61st on line honours and 11th in IRC Division 2.
With 497.7 nautical miles still to run to Hobart, there is plenty of racing left. The early damage is done, but the recovery is real. Vixen Racing is back in the fight as the Sydney Hobart settles into its long offshore phase.
Standings
At 3:30PM NZT / 27 December 2025
| Category | Placing |
|---|---|
| Line Honours | 57 |
| IRC | 80 |
| IRC – Div 2 | 11 |
