RQYS Sailor Callum Bonaci is hopping aboard Trouble & Strife to take on the 2025 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Callum might only be 18, but Sydney to Hobart has always been a dream. This year, that dream is being realised with Callum a part of the crew of Trouble & Strife for the 80^th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

He began sailing at 8 years old after stumbling into the sport at a “Come Try Day” at Darling Point Sailing Squadron. There was an opportunity for the kids to head out in Optis and Callum jumped at the chance. This incredibly natural introduction to sailing became the foundation for a strong, lifelong relationship with the sport.

As he heads into his first ever Sydney to Hobart race, Callum explained that the pressure to do well was a major factor contributing to the nerves he is feeling. When asked about how he hopes the race goes, Callum said he doesn’t want to “make any mistakes” and on the outcome, Callum has a goal of “getting on the podium in division”. Whilst feeling nervous, he is equally as excited to take it on and rise to the occasion. He said he’s most looking forward to “the start line and the finish line”.

Callum will be serving as bowman on Trouble & Strife with his primary duties being management of sails at the bow, sail changes and setting the spinnaker. Trouble & Strife is a Cookson 12 from across the ditch. Built in New Zealand, the Matt Williams’ yacht is now based right here at RQYS. Callum is part of the 9-person crew aboard the vessel, but it’s not the first time he has sailed with Trouble & Strife. After completing a delivery over 2 years ago in Gladstone, Callum was asked back to join the crew for a race, and the rest is history!

After taking on two Gold Coast to Mackay races and a plan to take Trouble & Strife back to Tassy next year, this crew is certainly a well-oiled machine. Callum feels confident in their chance and we’re rooting for them!

Callum narrowly missed out on S2H last year, with his 18^th birthday falling the day after the race took off. This year, he’ll be celebrating his 19^th birthday mid race.

So, make sure you come along to the Topic Talks on December 3^rd and wish him Good Luck and Happy Birthday!

RQYS will be hosting Tony Mowbray as speaker at the Sydney to Hobart Sendoff Topic Talk from 6pm on Wednesday December 3^rd in the Member’s Lounge. Get your tickets now!

Topic Talks – Syd to Hobart Sendoff with special guest Tony Mowbray

Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact Abigail O’Sullivan at digitalmarketing@rqys.com.au and say hello!