The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was formed in 1944 and, despite its name, quickly became the leading exponent of ocean racing in Australia, at that time a little-known sport both here and elsewhere.

In 1945 a planned cruise to Hobart quickly turned into a race and the famous Sydney Hobert Yacht Race was born.

The race captured the imagination of the Australian public and it soon developed into an international yachting classic, attracting competitors from around the world.