My First Melbourne to Hobart Race: A Journey of Emotion, Challenge, and Triumph

Story and photo by Glenda Pillifeant

Reflecting on my first Melbourne to Hobart race, I am filled with a profound mix of pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of accomplishment. But this journey was about much more than just the race itself; it was about the people I sailed with, the unwavering love and support shared along the way, and the memories that will stay with me forever. It’s a race that many aspire to, and though it still feels surreal, I am yet to completed my first year of sailing. Was I lucky? Perhaps, but it’s taken dedication, hard work, and determination to get here.

My journey began on January 20, 2024, with a crewing course at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. On that very day, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time and was asked to join the Faster Forward team for my first-ever yacht race at the Festival of Sails in Geelong. From that moment, I was committed—whether it was learning the boat or supporting the team during repairs. I was there every time the boat set out.

In November, I participated in my first offshore race, the Ocean Racing Victoria (ORCV) Melbourne to Devonport race. The weather was moderate, making it manageable and not a true test of resilience or seasickness. But as the Melbourne to Hobart race approached, things took an emotional turn. Our team was devastated by the loss of our dear friend Kevin and my best friend Deb, both of whom passed away less than eight weeks before the race. Their absence weighed heavily on us, but their spirit remained with us as we pushed forward, honouring their memory through every challenge.

The first 24 hours of the race were by far the most difficult. Massive swells, high winds, and the overwhelming challenge of seasickness—five out of nine crew members were affected—tested our limits. There were moments when I doubted myself, both physically and emotionally, but through it all, my teammates supported not just me, but each other, showing incredible camaraderie.

As we rounded the bottom of Tasmania, something shifted, or it could have been the seasickness tablets. Either way the team found its rhythm, refocused, and dug deep to push through the final stretch. The finish line was within reach as we passed the Iron Pot. However, the wind had other plans, and we were left drifting for two agonizing hours. When the breeze finally picked up, it was like a switch had flipped, and we surged
toward the finish line.

Crossing the line felt amazing, sailing past “The Taste of Tasmania” with a sea of people cheering us on was an unforgettable moment. We completed the race at 10 p.m. on the 29th of December, just in time to celebrate our teammate Ken’s birthday with gusto.

I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) and everyone who helped make this monumental event possible. Your dedication made this race an unforgettable experience. To my team—thank you for your unwavering support, camaraderie, and tolerance during the toughest times, I will always be grateful.

This journey has tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically. To reach the finish line and honour the memory of those we’ve lost, while celebrating the ones we hold dear, has been an incredible experience. The magnitude of what we achieved is still sinking in, but it will stay with me for a lifetime. I look forward to the challenges and victories that
lie ahead.

See you on the water soon!