Team Raised
Goal $56,000
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 |
Meet the Crew
Natalie Reidy
Geelong
Natalie strives to raise awareness of disability inclusion and challenge perceptions of what people with disability can achieve.
James Hunter
Sydney
Despite losing his eyesight in 2015, James will join as an experienced crew member and complete his 4th Sydney to Hobart, redefining what’s possible beyond disability.
Renee Godress
Wollongong
Renee aims to be a valuable crew member, rebuild confidence, and inspire others with vision impairment to pursue challenging, meaningful goals.
Alison Hogan
Melbourne
Alison is a lifelong sailor pursuing a long-held Hobart dream, building confidence and championing inclusion.
Phillip Walker
Sydney
Phillip competes in his 11th Sydney to Hobart. 3 with Making Waves. He strives to help and encourage one another no matter the skill level.
Jordan Berryman
Newcastle
Jordan brings 8 years of volunteering experience at Making Waves Foundation and will be in action at the pointy end of the boat.
Sanne Rodenstein
Melbourne
Sanne competes in her 2nd Sydney to Hobart, continuing to learn resilience, support crew and embrace in offshore challenges.
Michael Blaxell
Sydney
Michael is highly experienced in offshore sailing, including 18 Sydney to Hobart races. He has experience in being a helm, navigator and watch captain.
Alan Connolly
Melbourne
Alan is competing in his very first Sydney to Hobart. Through volunteering at Making Waves, he has helped students gain confidence through sailing.
Jeff Davis
Sydney
Jeff is a highly experienced sailor, bringing decades of international expertise and completing two Making Waves Hobart-to-Sydney deliveries.
Greg Pugh
Newcastle
Greg has volunteered for MWF for 12 years and has sailed over 26,000 nautical miles - supporting inclusion on every voyage.
David Rieser
Sydney
David, living with disability for 46 years, he strives to prove that people with disability are far more capable than many expect.
Yann Dunlop
Melbourne
Yann will compete in his very first Sydney to Hobart. He wants to use this opportunity to grow as both a sailor and a person, while helping inspire young people.
Annie Lawrence
Sydney
Annie has completed 20 Sydney to Hobart Races and brings extensive volunteer experience as a seasoned navigator.
Stephen O'Brien
Brisbane
Stephen is an experienced sailor returning to the Hobart, driven to inspire and help others with disabilities embrace the challenge.
John Whitfeld
Sydney
John will take the helm as skipper this year and will bring wealth of sailing experience and passion for teamwork.
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
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