Making Waves Foundation’s 24th Entry

81st Rolex

Sydney to Hobart

Yacht Race

Making Waves Foundation’s 24th Entry

81st Rolex

Sydney to Hobart

Yacht Race

Team Raised
Goal $56,000
$18,290.79

Sailing for Inclusion

Why we do it

This year, Making Waves Foundation proudly enters the 81st Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, marking our 24th campaign in this legendary offshore event. Since our very first race in 1994, we’ve championed a simple but powerful belief: people of all abilities deserve the chance to take on extraordinary challenges.

What began as a bold idea has grown into a national movement. Over three decades, thousands of young people and adults have sailed with us — and our commitment remains unchanged: 50% of our offshore crew lives with disability, proving year after year that inclusion belongs on the world stage.

This year’s race forms part of our Legacy Campaign, honouring the volunteers, sailors, supporters, and alumni who have shaped Making Waves since the beginning.

Campaign Goal

Each crew member aims to raise $3,500.
Your support directly funds offshore safety gear, training, travel, and the specialised preparation required for sailors living with disability to compete in one of the toughest ocean races on earth. Every donation strengthens resilience, leadership, and confidence — and helps us continue the legacy that started in 1994 and still inspires Australia today.

2026 Racing Schedule – Making Waves Foundation Campaign

Race Name
Date
Status
Live Tracker/Results

Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

Sat, 25 July 2026

Completed

Results coming soon

GCCM Southport to Mackay Yacht Race

Sat, 1 August 2026

Completed

Results coming soon

Tollgate Island Yacht Race

Fri, 16 October 2026

Upcoming

Bird Island Yacht Race

Sat, 14 November 2026

Upcoming

Cabbage Tree Island Yacht Race

Fri, 4 December 2026

Upcoming

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Sat, 26 December 2026

Upcoming

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get live updates straight from the boat!

Meet the Crew

Crew stories

John Whitfeld 

Paying it Forward

31st Sydney to Hobart

James Hunter

Digging Deep

Recently Blind 

David Rieser

So Grateful

Disability Dystonia

Crew stories

Tracey Gottliebsen

Feeling Nice

Winds of Joy Volunteer

Al Grundy

Rough Ride

Polio Survivor

David Preston

Still Smiling

Born with Cerebral palsy

Ian Farquarson

Faith in Kindness

Sponsor

Alyson Gearing

Land Ahoy

Hearing loss

John Whitfeld 

Paying it Forward

30th Sydney to Hobart

James Hunter

Digging Deep

Recently Blind 

Maddie Lyons

Feeling Sea Sick

New generation aboard

David Rieser

So Grateful

Disability Dystonia

Thank you to our partners

Support our Crew

Each crew member is raising $3,500 to fund training, travel, and offshore safety gear.

Your donation directly supports:

  • Safe and inclusive offshore racing experiences
  • Development of the next generation of sailors
  • MWF’s ongoing mission to break barriers in sailing