Back in the Race

The pair previously combined to win Line Honours aboard Perpetual Loyal in 2016, setting a then-race record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds. Bell’s first Line Honours victory came in 2011, when Investec Loyal defeated Wild Oats XI by just three minutes and eight seconds.

The 2026 campaign brings together an experienced crew that collectively boasts 292 Sydney Hobart appearances and 64 line-honours victories. Among them are former Wallabies captain Phil Waugh and former Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello, continuing their long associations with the Loyal team.

Beyond the racing, the campaign supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, which provides essential medical equipment to hospitals caring for sick and injured children. Established in 2009, the Loyal Foundation has raised more than $10 million, helping deliver more than 600 pieces of life-saving equipment to 200 hospitals across Australia.

For Bell, returning to the race is about more than winning. It’s an opportunity to reunite a team, embrace the physical and mental challenge of offshore racing and use the profile of the Sydney Hobart to make a difference.

In this exclusive Sails Q&A, Bell discusses the decision to return, the significance of the former Comanche, his crew’s strengths and why experience has taught him never to take a Sydney Hobart victory for granted.

Sails: What motivated your return to racing?

Bell: There were a number of factors. We had kept the charity going since 2016, although on a much smaller scale, and we were missing the drivers for higher-level fundraising.

I also missed the team, the camaraderie and the physical test. That feeling had been growing stronger every year since 2016.

When the opportunity came to get back into the race, I spoke to my family, particularly the kids, to get their approval. Then I called Tom. He was straight in, and we were on.

Why did you choose the former Comanche?

When the opportunity arose to acquire one of the most powerful maxis in the world, it was a no-brainer. Its pedigree speaks for itself.

Part of the agreement was that the yacht would be rebranded as Loyal, which was accepted.

It’s now a different colour, but it retains the potency that has made it one of the world’s most powerful supermaxis.

How did you select your crew, and how many have sailed together previously?

More than half the crew aboard this year’s Loyal campaign have previously sailed with Loyal racing teams.

We’ve also been able to bring in some outstanding new talent with serious high-performance ocean racing experience.

The culture aboard feels great, and we’re fortunate to have such a strong team.

Are there any crew members making their offshore racing debut?

So far, all the sailors announced have offshore experience in the great race.

Have you made any modifications to the yacht ahead of the race?

We’ve spent a considerable amount of time on the hardstand over winter, putting a lot of time and effort into the rig and other essential mechanical systems.

What advantages does your crew bring to the campaign?

The professional sailors are at the top of their game.

The athletes sailing for Loyal are also at the top of their respective fields and are among the most inspirational Australians of the modern era.

They do more than pull their weight. As we’ve experienced in previous campaigns, something very special happens when everyone comes together. It creates a unique team culture.

What continues to draw you to the Rolex Sydney Hobart?

Two things. Firstly and ultimately, it’s the test of the race and everything it throws at you.

Most people grow up watching the Sydney Hobart on Boxing Day and appreciate the spectacle. To compete in it is an incredible rush and a privilege.

Secondly, there’s the opportunity to contribute through the Loyal Foundation. The profile of the race, the yacht and the team provides enormous exposure for our charitable purpose.

How will you celebrate if Tribeca Loyal wins Line Honours in 2026?

In a race like this, you simply can’t think that far ahead. My great mentor, Neville Crichton told me early on that to win Hobart, you first have to get to Hobart.

This race can be heartbreaking because of all the variables.

We’ve been leading by 20 miles, only to be becalmed for 24 hours in 2013 and lose the lead. We’ve hit a sunfish, cracked the hull and had to turn around.

We’ve also won when the odds were so heavily against us that nobody gave us a chance.  That’s the Sydney Hobart.

The 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts on Sydney Harbour on 26 December.

rolexsydneyhobart.com
cyca.com.au