Thorpedo set to launch into Rolex Sydney Hobart

LawConnect - 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Andrea Francolini / Rolex

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe is set to dive into unfamiliar sporting waters after it was announced today that he would join the crew of LawConnect for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Thorpe will make his offshore racing debut in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Cabbage Tree Island Race this afternoon (5 December) as the two-time defending Rolex Sydney Hobart Line Honours champions LawConnect aim for a three-peat in the Great Race South.

Known globally throughout his swimming career as 'The Thorpedo', Thorpe is considered by many to be Australia's greatest Olympian, winning five gold, three silver and a bronze medal across the Sydney and Athens Olympics.

Thorpe said he was excited about the chance to push himself on water, instead of in it.

"I've spent my life in and around water, but this is a completely different test, both mentally and physically," Thorpe said.

"Joining the LawConnect team is an opportunity to push myself, learn something new, and be part of an incredible Australian sporting tradition.

"I'm really excited, and I can't wait to get out on the Harbour and down to Hobart."

LawConnect Owner/Skipper Chrisitan Beck, who will also be joined for the Rolex Sydney Hobart by his wife Rachel and 18-year-old son Indy, said the iconic swimmer would bring another chapter to the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

"Thorpie is one of Australia's greatest athletes," Beck said.

"Having him join LawConnect not only brings an incredible story to this year's race but highlights our commitment to doing things differently.

"We want the Sydney to Hobart to be more accessible, which is why we introduced our livestream, making the race more engaging and more exciting for Australians, and Ian's involvement helps make that even more possible."

Thorpe's first challenge, the Cabbage Tree Island Race, gets under way at 1700hrs from Watson's Bay, with the 172-nautical-mile overnight race.

The racecourse takes the yachts to Cabbage Tree Island, just north of Port Stephens on the NSW Mid North Coast, and back. The Line Honours winner is expected to complete the course well inside 24 hours.

Next week Thorpe will again join LawConnect for the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday.

To follow Thorpe and LawConnect's progress in the Cabbage Tree Island Race, click here.

The start of the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be broadcast live throughout Australia on Channel Nine and globally via the CYCA's YouTube channel, CYCATV.