Sailing and banking runs in the family for NAB Business Banking Manager Braeden McHugh, going back three generations.

“My parents and my grandparents sailed. Granddad was in the sailing trials for the Olympics, so it’s in the blood,” Braeden said.

“When I was a little boy my parents took me to Sydney Harbour to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always been mesmerised by the race, and it’s been a life-long goal to compete in it.”

Over the break, Braeden lived his dream and raced in the 2022 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with the Hutchies Yeah Baby crew.

The fifteen-person crew completed the race in three days, two hours and 17 minutes, placing 31 out of 109 yachts!

Braeden’s role on the boat is a bowman, stationed at the very front of the boat controlling the sails whenever the strength or angle of the wind changes to maximise the speed of the boat.

The bowman is one of the more physically demanding positions and is most susceptible to being washed off the boat!

“We knew the Bass Strait has some of the most formidable seas in the world – you’re just at the mercy of the ocean,” Braeden said.

“I nearly got washed off three times, my harness saved me. You’ve pretty much just got to hold onto the rail, hold your breath when you go under and just hold on as tight as you can then when you come up…