Nexba sponsors first ever two-person all-women team in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race
Posted by Nic Florido on 9th Jun 2021
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an epic, days long sailing race that begins on Boxing Day every summer. From its stunning start in Sydney Harbour, fleets sail out into the Tasman Sea and down the south-east coast of Australia, across the Bass Straight and down the east coast of Tasmania, finally finishing through Storm Bay and arriving into the historic port city of Hobart. This 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most grueling long ocean race in the world, and each year expertly skilled and tactful sailors take on the challenge.
The average team competing in the infamous Sydney to Hobart race has 10 crew members or more, but this year two Aussie women are ready to push the limits of what’s possible by competing in the race as the first ever all-women crew of just two!
Alice Tarnawski (26) and Bryony Gregory (30) from Sydney’s Northern Beaches will be amongst the first ever duos to race in the Sydney to Hobart as the competition opens to two-handed sailors for the first time in 2021. If that’s not enough, they’re also the first all-women duo to take on the challenge. A lot of firsts!
They’ll be competing in a brand new, first-of-its kind, performance offshore 30-footer (aka a very fancy boat!), the Farr X2 from Farr Yachts Australasia. The yacht, named “Nexba”, is the first X2 off the production line, commissioned by long-time Nexba supporter and sailing enthusiast, John Bacon.
Doing things differently
At Nexba, we’re proud as punch to support amazing Aussie’s who do things differently. The Nexba story began when two twenty-something brothers-in-law, Troy & Drew, embarked on a mission to craft delicious drinks that were free from sugar and artificial ingredients, but with the same taste we all know and love. The boys pushed themselves to make this dream a reality and are still shaking up the drinks game some 11 years later!
Our small team of 15 at Nexba HQ strive to do things differently every day. We’re constantly inspired by those who push boundaries and challenge themselves to do what’s never been done before. That’s why it was an obvious choice for us to support Alice and Bryony on their mission to be the first ever all-women’s two-handed sailing team to race in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart!
For a good cause
Along the way, Alice and Bryony will be raising money and awareness for the incredible work happening at Women’s Health Charity Jean Hailes. Jean Hailes is an Australian organisation dedicated to improving women’s health across the country. To learn more about their inspiring work, which includes medical research, clinical services, public health and education and Women’s Health Week in the first week of September, head to their site.
What’s to come?
Keep your eyes peeled on our blog and socials for the official Nexba boat design, exclusive interviews with Alice & Bryony about their journey, their grueling training regime (including how to stay up for two-days straight!) and where you can check out the Nexba boat when it firsts hits the water! But for now, here’s a little fast-fire Q&A with our awesome sailors…
Getting to know Alice & Bryony
Q. When did you both start sailing?
Alice: I learned to sail at age 11 on Pittwater, travelling from home at the base of Sydney’s Blue Mountains each weekend so that I could get out on the water with my family and friends.
Bryony: I started sailing when I was 6 in the UK out of Frensham Pond Sailing Club.
Q. What is it that you both love about sailing?
Alice: I love the way sailing is challenging both physically and mentally, there is always something new to learn, somewhere new to go and a new challenge to take on.
Bryony: I love how technical and tactical it is as a sport. It’s always different no race is the same as the wind and tides are always changing. There’s also nothing better than sailing offshore on a clear night without city lights, the stars are incredible.
Q. How did you meet?
Alice: Bryony and I met when we sailed together on the Farr 40 ‘Forty’ at the World Championships held in Sydney 2016.
Q. Any advice you’d give to women looking to get into sailing?
Alice: Do it! There are great training programs available at most yacht clubs and twilight racing that anyone can join in on to get started. A quick phone call to your local club will help you to know what racing is on and what programs you can do. It’s a great sport, with a fantastic social scene and plenty of opportunities for women to compete at all levels.
Bryony: I would recommend going down to your local club and ask about learn to sail courses or twilight sailing.
Q. What’s your fave Nexba drink?
Alice: Watermelon & Raspberry Apple Cider Vinegar Soda!
Bryony: Pineapple Kombucha!
Keep an eye out on our socials for Alice and Bryony’s rigorous training regimes as they take on this incredible challenge!
