Australian model Lisa Seiffert gears up for Sydney Hobart Yacht Race after cancer diagnosis

Australian model Lisa Seiffert is ready to tackle the high seas in the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race after a major health scare that forced her to go under the knife.

Weeks after undergoing surgery for breast cancer, top Aussie model Lisa Seiffert will tackle the high seas stronger and with more fight than ever.

Seiffert is one of just a few women that will compete in the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race from today as part of the Stefan Racing crew, which placed fourth out of the 112 boats in the 2021 event.

“I am mentally more prepared now to face whatever the race throws at me because I just literally went through the worst and scariest time of my life,” Seiffert told The Daily Telegraph.

“I would much prefer being on a boat in the ocean doing the Sydney to Hobart than in an MRI machine. I am more ready mentally and fearless by having gone through what I just went through.”

Seiffert, who just turned 40, has lived overseas for the past 26 years, modelling for top fashion houses and fronting campaigns for the likes of Estee Lauder, GUESS and Victoria’s Secret.

New York-based Aussie model Lisa Seiffert at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

She famously appeared in iconic Robbie Williams videos Eternity and The Road to Mandalay and was the first Aussie to shoot the famed Pirelli calendar.

Seiffert returned to Australia to take on the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race of 853km in August.

In November, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent emergency lumpectomy surgery, as well as having her lymph nodes removed. She will go through radiotherapy treatment in February.

Her aunt died of breast cancer, which is why she was diligent in getting herself checked and seeking medical advice early.

Seiffert will compete the Sydney to Hobart, off the back of being treated for breast cancer. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I got so lucky,” she said.

“I literally had my blinders on like a racehorse trying to get through it. I am not fully through this but I got it out of my body. I went for it full force, I wanted it over and done with and wanted to make it in time for the Sydney to Hobart.

“It was hard and scary and emotional but I am just so grateful. I am not the same person and I never will be.”

It was by chance, or “freak” as Seiffert described it, that the cancer was found.

“I didn’t feel anything, it was an accidental finding and didn’t really show up on the mammogram, it only showed up on the ultrasound. I just want to make women feel like they are not alone, that they can get tested and you can get through it. Early detection will save your life.”

Seiffert’s father, Adrian, owns Stefan, the 80-foot Botin, with world class sailor, skipper Grant Wharington.

After the Sydney to Hobart and before radiotherapy, Seiffert will go through fertility treatment to freeze her eggs.

“After radiotherapy, I will go on hormone blockers for five years,” she said. “This will cover all bases and give me options for the future.”