The 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race marked a milestone for inclusivity and innovation, as two women-led yachts, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird and Active Again, finished in the top ten for Line Honours. Skippered by Annika Thomson and Stephanie Kerin, both boats not only showcased exceptional skill and determination but also highlighted the growing contributions of women in competitive sailing.
This year will mark 79 years since the first females joined in the 628-nautical-mile Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!
Annika Thomson on Ocean Crusaders J-Bird
Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, co-skippered by Annika Thomson from Queensland, completed the gruelling 628-nautical-mile race in an impressive 2 days 20 hours and 16 minutes, crossing the line on 29 December at 09:16 AM. This performance secured J-Bird ninth place for Line Honours and an inspiring third consecutive win for Thomson of the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy (2022, 2023, 2024), awarded to the first female skipper to finish the race.
Ocean Crusaders J-Bird boasts a storied history. Originally built as a TP52 under the name Flash, the yacht has undergone numerous transformations, including racing as FfreeFire 52 and Dodo. After years of neglect, Annika’s husband, Ian, discovered the boat in disrepair and embarked on a three-year journey to restore and convert it into an electric-powered racer/cruiser. The yacht now operates entirely on renewable energy, embodying the Thomsons’ mission to promote sustainable sailing.
“She is now the ultimate racer/cruiser, and our mission is to break down barriers so electric engines become the norm, while having a vessel capable of sailing the world and competing at the front of races,” Ian Thomson explained. This dedication to sustainability earned the couple the Sustainability Award at the 2023 Australian Sailing Awards, cementing their influence as pioneers in the sport.
In previous years, J-Bird has delivered notable performances. In 2022, the Thomsons sailed the boat two-handed to finish as the fastest two-hander over the line, placing 35th overall and fourth in Division 0. Their achievements with a challenging TP52 design, which is not typically favoured for shorthanded racing, underscore their exceptional seamanship and teamwork.
Stephanie Kerin on Active Again
Active Again, skippered by Stephanie Kerin from Queensland, completed the race in 02:23:36:468.8, crossing the finish line on 29 December at 12:36:46 PM, securing tenth place for Line Honours. Built by New Zealand’s Hakes Marine, this Humphreys 54 yacht features a full carbon hull and a lifting keel, making it a high-performance competitor.
Active Again’s racing history is equally illustrious. The yacht has been campaigned extensively in Japan and Asia under its previous name, KLC Bengal 7, achieving numerous victories. In the Sydney to Hobart, it placed 58th in 2016 and retired in 2015 due to mainsail damage but delivered a strong 12th place finish in 2012. Kerin herself has a robust competitive record, having skippered her DK46, Dekadence, in the 2015 and 2016 Sydney to Hobart races. Notably, she won the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy in 2016, marking a special achievement alongside her husband, Stephen.
Breaking barriers
The achievements of Annika Thomson and Stephanie Kerin underscore the growing prominence of women in competitive sailing. Their success in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race shows their leadership and skill, continuing the legacy of the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy in promoting female participation. These trailblazing women serve as role models, inspiring a new generation of sailors to pursue excellence in the sport.
