Over the Top, Then Down Under

The Shorthanded Ocean Racing Association of Australia Inc (SHORAA) is proud to announce the Race Around Australia 2028 (RAA), a doublehanded yacht race, forty years after and in the spirit of the 1988 Bicentennial race.

Join us in the ultimate doublehanded sailing challenge around Australia’s vast coastline.

Race Around Australia: Three Oceans, One Rugged Coastline

Race Around Australia 2028 inspires sailors to conquer the entire Australian coastline in a thrilling doublehanded race, celebrating endurance, skill, and the spirit of competition.

“The Two Sail Australia 88 race around the coast of the world’s smallest continent really was a classic challenge, huge adventure and an epic race of extremes. All involved were pushed to the limit. The course would have to rank as one of the most demanding and tactically challenging for any coastal Ocean Race anywhere in the world.” Don McIntyre organiser of the 1988 Bicentiennial Race Around Australia.

Fletch Gets Wet © Guy Chester

WHO – Doublehanded Crew

The race is open to two experienced sailors over 18 making a crew of doublehanders. Mixed crews and all women crews are encouraged.

Gentoo IMOCA 60 © Gentoo Sailing Team

WHAT – The Yachts

The race is for monohull and multihull yachts 40-60 feet, with some fast and seaworthy smaller monohull yachts able to apply for entry.

Big Wave Rider SW Tasmania © Paul Scrambler

WHEN – 2028

The race will start in August 2028 and run until mid to late November.

Both monohulls and multihulls 40-60′ eligible, Big Wave Rider © Bruce Arms

WHERE – Over the Top Then  Down Under

5 Legs with 4 Stopovers and 2 Sprint Stages with 2 Pitstops.

Sydney > Whitsundays > Darwin > Fremantle > Hobart > Sydney

1988 Winner Steinlager 1, Courtesy Don McIntyre

WHY – 1988 and The Challenge

13 Yachts competed in the Two Sail 1988 Goodman Fielder Wattie Bicentennial Around Australia Yacht Race. The race was a challenge then and will be in 2028.

Roaring 40 arriving after Doublehanded Melbourne to Osaka © Kazuyoshi Yamano

HOW – Safety

The 1988 event had incidents; consequently, SHORAA intends to take a precautionary approach in running the event. We expect all Entrants to similarly adopt “Safety First”.

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