Sean Langman has spent more than three decades chasing the Tattersall Cup, and the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race may be his best shot yet. His GP42 Back 2 Black has secured the milestone honour of becoming the 100th entry in this year's race, adding another layer of significance to what is already a deeply personal campaign.
Langman, managing director of the Noakes Group and a veteran of 33 Hobarts, has competed on everything from maxis to historic restorations without ever lifting ocean racing's most coveted trophy. That record, he believes, is about to change. "The wonderful thing about ocean racing is everyone has an opportunity, from maxis down to Maluka [a 9.5m Huon pine gaffer]," he said. "But I do feel this is the boat."
Langman found the GP42 gathering dust in a shed in the United Kingdom, far from offshore-ready condition. He recognised something in the hull regardless, and after a six-month rebuild the yacht emerged as a hardened offshore racer. Her first serious test came at the Admiral's Cup and the 100th Rolex Fastnet Race earlier this year, where she placed eighth in class. The result only sharpened Langman's appetite. "After that event I went, well what's next?" he explained. "This boat has more to prove."
The yacht's name pays tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, whose 2006 hit of the same name left a lasting impression on Langman.
The crew assembled for this campaign reflects years of shared miles and mutual trust. Most are drawn from Langman's earlier Moneypenny programme and, like their skipper, fit their sailing around full-time jobs on shore. "I'm really looking forward to racing with old mates," Langman said. "It makes the campaign that much more special."
Back 2 Black is currently making her way to Sydney by ship, travelling alongside fellow entry SHK Scallywag. Once alongside, the team will carry out final preparations, including waterproofing work and adjustments intended to sharpen her IRC rating. Before the main event, the crew will use the Cabbage Tree Island Race on 5 December to fine-tune their teamwork and measure themselves against Australia's leading 40-footers.
Langman's closest brush with overall honours came in 2023, when Moneypenny finished third. With the 80th edition of the Hobart now approaching, that near miss has only strengthened his resolve. "This will be my 34th race and it feels exactly the same as the first time," he said. "I get the same butterflies as when I was a kid. To win the Rolex Sydney Hobart is still a life-long dream."
