Gravity Media has been reappointed again as broadcast technology and production partner for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, marking its 20th consecutive year working with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on the iconic event.
The long-running partnership will see Gravity Media deliver the complete television broadcast production for the start of the race from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, as the event celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Two decades on the harbour
Gravity Media’s relationship with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia spans two decades, covering one of the most complex live sporting broadcasts on the Australian calendar.
As broadcast and technology partner, Gravity Media will manage the full telecast, combining on-water chase boat cameras with live helicopter coverage to capture the spectacle of the fleet departing Sydney Harbour.
The 2025 race will feature a fleet of 132 yachts representing six Australian states and eight countries, underlining the event’s continued global appeal.
Line honours contenders and race milestones
Five 100-foot maxis are expected to contest line honours, including three-time winner Law Connect, Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI, SHK Scallywag and Wild Thing 100.
They will be joined by cruiser Maritimo 100, adding further interest to the supermaxi field.
The race itself covers 628 nautical miles from Sydney to Hobart and remains one of the most demanding offshore yacht races in the world.
The television coverage will be hosted by Gordon Bray, with commentary from Peter Shipway, who has sailed in more than 31 Sydney Hobart Yacht Races, alongside America’s Cup and Sydney Hobart line honours winner Jimmy Spithill.
Olympic silver medallists Lisa Darmanin and Olivia Price will also join the broadcast team.
Live coverage across Nine and 9Now will begin at 12:30pm AEDT on 26 December. International audiences will be able to watch via the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia website and CYCATV on YouTube.
Industry praise for long-term partnership
Justine Kirkjian, CEO of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, said the ongoing partnership reflects Gravity Media’s experience in elite sports production.
“Gravity Media have proven time and time again to be leaders in the production of elite sporting content, and we are thankful to be able to partner with them to bring the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to viewers around the world,” she said.
Saul Shtein, Director of Production and Content at Gravity Media, said the milestone year was significant for both organisations.
“Gravity Media is excited to be delivering the full television production of this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race,” Shtein said.
“We’re honoured to mark our 20th year covering this iconic race and partnering with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, broadcasting every moment of the thrilling start and bringing viewers right into the spectacle as Sydney Harbour fills with sails and the fleet drives out through the Heads toward Hobart.”