Laurieton’s Dave Castleton sails in the 2025 Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race

LAURIETON sailor Dave Castleton competed in the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, turning a yacht racers dream into reality.

Proudly representing Queens Lake Sailing Club Dave was the navigator, part of a crew of nine on the Inner Circle, a 1987 boat based at Toronto Lake, with most of the crew sailing together since 2004.

With a challenging weather forecast, the race left Sydney Harbour in howling winds with everyone kitted out in full wet weather gear.

Dave told News Of The Area, “overall the conditions really suited Inner Circle this year, as the bigger boats couldn’t get too far away.”

“We achieved second in our division IRC Veteran which is for boats…over 30 years old.”

35 knot winds turned the ocean into a washing machine leading to several boats retiring early; with the Inner Circle crew fortunately only experiencing sea sickness and minor breakages.

Soaking wet inside and out, fuelled by lollies, muesli bars and oysters from Gogleys Lagoon, they pushed on to the calmer waters of the Bass Strait.

A heavy breeze down the Tasmanian coastline followed by a final run up the Derwent River and Inner Circle finished 69th out of 128th in line honours.

While Dave is already focussing on contesting the 2026 race, a scheduled shoulder surgery next month means he will spend the rest of the sailing season sharing his passion by coaching from the shore.

By Rachael THORPE