Tasmanian vessels take on key role in 80th Sydney to Hobart

Tasmanian vessels will play a key role in this year’s Sydney to Hobart yacht race, with specialist tactical sea boat builder Sentinel Boats supplying high-speed chase boats to capture all the power and spectacle as the yachts charge for the finish line.  

CEO George McGuire said Sentinel Boats had partnered with the iconic event to showcase Tasmania’s cutting-edge boatbuilding to the world. 

“When it comes to ocean racing, there’s no race tougher than the Sydney to Hobart and the world’s toughest ocean race demands the word’s toughest sea boats,” Mr McGuire said. 

“We have been testing and refining our boats to withstand the harsh Southern Ocean for decades – it is in our DNA. 

“Our cutting-edge sea boats are designed for a wide range of defence, law enforcement, rescue and commercial applications. 

“The speed and agility of our vessels mean they are perfectly suited to keeping pace with super maxis, while also providing stability for broadcast crews in all conditions.” 

Sentinel Boats is the world-leader in advanced tactical craft manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which offer unparalleled performance and durability.  

The award-winning vessels are entirely Australian designed and manufactured, and in service with police, rescue and defence across Australian and increasingly across other international customers. 

Mr McGuire said Sentinel had a strong affinity with ocean racing through its close association with two time Sydney to Hobart winner, Alive. 

“With the world watching this iconic race, now in its 80th year, what better way to showcase our sovereign ingenuity and skill than through using home-grown vessels on this global stage,” Mr McGuire said. 

The public can take a closer look at the vessels at the Sydney to Hobart Race Village on the Hobart waterfront. The Sentinel Boats mooring will be at the floating marina near Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – when they’re not out chasing yachts.  

In October, Sentinel Boats won the Defence Award at the 2025 Australian Manufacturing Awards. They are currently producing the next-generation sea boat fleet for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and were named NZ prime contractor of the year in 2023 for the delivery of high-speed Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMCs) to the RNZN.