A closer look at the three female-only crews
Three all-female crews are among the record-breaking number of double-handed entries this year.
Wendy Tuck and Meg Niblett
Wendy Tuck and Meg Niblett, sailing aboard the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 Gizmo, bring a mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm. Wendy Tuck, an Australian yachtswoman born around 1965, began sailing at 24 and has since built a distinguished career. She has competed in numerous Sydney Hobart Yacht Races, earning accolades such as the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy in 2017 as the first woman skipper to finish that year. Notably, Tuck became the first female skipper to win a round-the-world yacht race, leading the Sanya Serenity Coast to victory in the 2017–2018 Clipper Round the World Race.
Tuck praises Niblett’s tenacity, likening her younger self to her co-skipper. Meg Niblett, a professional sailor originally from the UK, moved to Australia to pursue her Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster qualification. Tuck examined Niblett for this certification in 2020, marking the beginning of their professional relationship. Despite limited time on Gizmo, their determination and adaptability could prove key.
Saskia Groen-In’t-Woud and Maud Demazure
Joining them are Saskia Groen-In’t-Woud and Maud Demazure on the Nautor Swan 38 Celeste. Saskia Groen-In’t-Woud, originally from Gladstone, Queensland, is an experienced sailor with a diverse background in offshore racing. She has competed in various international events, including the Melbourne Osaka Cup, and has a strong commitment to promoting women’s health through her sailing endeavors.
Maud Demazure, a French sailor, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Notably, she served as watch captain on Wayne Seaward’s Beneteau Oceanis 473, Cyan Moon, which secured first place on PHS Overall in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Annette Hesselmans and Sophie Snijders
Annette Hesselmans and Sophie Snijders, a mother and daughter team, will be racing on the Najad 1490 Fika. Hesselmans, a seasoned sailor, has previously competed in the Sydney Hobart, notably in 2018, where she and her husband, Gerard Snijders, placed seventh on line honours aboard the Redford 12.2, Red Jacket. She also runs a Royal Yachting Association-certified sailing school on board Fika, sharing her passion and expertise with others.
Sophie, at 26, is embarking on her first Sydney Hobart and Melbourne Osaka Cup. Offshore sailing is in her DNA; she has been offshore sailing with her parents since the age of one. Sophie and her partner, Slim, document their circumnavigation of Australia on board their yacht, Nakama.
Together, Annette and Sophie are not only competing in the Sydney Hobart but are also using this race as a qualifier for the 2025 Melbourne Osaka Cup, a challenging double-handed offshore race. Their participation underscores the increasing involvement of women in competitive sailing and the growing popularity of double-handed racing formats.
Comparing the gender mix in double-handed crews
Double-handed sailing is inherently demanding, requiring sailors to manage navigation, helming, sail trimming, and rest schedules. Female-only crews bring unique strengths, such as strong communication and emotional resilience.
The question of whether double-handed sailing is easier for female-only crews is nuanced. While physical challenges can be more demanding, the emphasis on teamwork and strategy aligns well with strengths often exhibited by women in collaborative settings. Offshore sailor Pip Hare noted in an interview (source: Yachting Monthly) that technology and proper preparation make gender differences increasingly irrelevant. The all-female crews in this year’s race embody this ethos, proving that with the right mindset and tools, they can compete on equal footing.
Can a double-handed crew win overall?
While double-handed yachts are less common among overall winners due to their smaller size and fewer crew members, the right weather conditions could tip the scales. Double-handed sailors like Martin and John Cross aboard Transcendence Rudy Project hope for conditions that slow larger yachts while allowing smaller ones to power through transitions (Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.)
Martin and John Cross are a father and son duo participating in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. They are competing in the Double Handed division aboard their Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300, named Transcendence Rudy Project. This marks their second time racing together in this prestigious event.
In 2022, two-handed teams demonstrated their potential by performing well in tricky weather patterns, suggesting a small but significant chance of an overall victory if conditions favor their agility and tactical decision-making. According to Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race’s weather forecast overview, double-handed yachts may capitalise on smoother transitions through predicted fronts post-Boxing Day.
The future of double-handed sailing
The rise of double-handed racing, including its inclusion in major events like the Rolex Sydney Hobart and the Olympic Offshore Mixed Doubles, highlights its growing appeal. It offers a more accessible entry point for sailors while emphasising skill and innovation over sheer manpower. For female sailors, this format represents an exciting opportunity to showcase their capabilities and inspire future generations.
As the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race unfolds, all eyes will be on the double-handed division. These crews are set to demonstrate why double-handed sailing is one of the most dynamic and rewarding formats in offshore racing.
