Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2021: Top gun pilot Matt Hall racing on Hasta La Vista with Richard Grimes

If anyone knows how to conquer fear, survive being thrown around like a rag doll and thrive in high-pressure situations it’s this Sydney to Hobart debutant.

Matt Hall is competing in his first Sydney to Hobart yacht race this year.

Friday night social sailing with mates on a lake isn’t the most orthodox preparation for the rigours of a Sydney to Hobart.

But an addiction to adrenaline-rush racing, an attention to detail and the ability to make split second decisions under pressure are all traits that could well come in handy in the famous ocean race.

Former RAAF Fighter Combat (Top Gun) Instructor and pilot Matt Hall has all this plus more - just not a lot of experienced on a yacht in open sea racing one of the most infamous ocean races in the world.

Matt Hall back in his stunt pilot days over Lake Macquarie. Pic: Sam Ruttyn

But that’s not stopping this Newcastle born fighter pilot and former Red Bull racing superstar heading into unknown wasters on Boxing Day.

“I’ll just be doing what I’m told,’’ said Hall, who is joining fellow fighter pilot Richard Grimes, three of his children and a boatload of respected sailors on the 36-footer Hasta La Vista for the 76th edition of the race back after its Covid cancellation in 2020.

“I’ve only been offshore once in my life and while I’ve been sailing a lot of my life you wouldn’t call me knowledgeable.

“I’m not one of the well oiled machines. I’ll be the one with the new gear on and the tags hanging off it.’’

Start of the 75th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race back in 2019. Pic: ROLEX/Kurt Arrigo

A change of plan for new Year’s Eve and listening to stories about the race over the years enticed Hall, who owns an aviation business on Lake Macquarie to try his hand at the famous offshore race.

“It’s something Grubby (Grimes) and I have talked a lot about for the last 10 years,’’ he said.

“I’ve always just been engaged doing displays on Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve before.’’

“It’s a bit of a boyhood dream. I always tracked the boats on the computer and been addicted from the coach.

“I’m not scared, not much scares me. Everything is an adventure.

Matt Hall is competing in his first Sydney to Hobart yacht race this year.

“As a fellow fighter pilot I have put my life in his (Grimes’) hands previously and I want to be out there. But I am interested to see how I am going to deal with it all, the cold and wet. But I like pushing myself.’’

Hall, a third generation pilot, has made a career of doing just that - sometimes a little too far.

His plane caught fire in a training race once, and he's had numerous other close calls. and wing tips graze the water between pylons during his racing career with Red Bull.

he’s hoping the Sydney to Hobart will be les problematic.

“I’m just there to do as I’m told,’’ he said. “I’m looking forward to it.’’

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Originally published as Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2021: Top gun pilot Matt Hall racing on Hasta La Vista with Richard Grimes