[1] The 2011 edition began on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Boxing Day (26 December 2011) before heading south for 628 nautical miles (1,163 km) through the Tasman Sea, past Bass Strait, into Storm Bay and up the River Derwent, to cross the finish line in Hobart, Tasmania.

[2][3] Line honours were claimed by Investec LOYAL in a time of two days, six hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds after taking the lead from race favourite and defending champion Wild Oats XI, who had lost their lead outside Storm Bay after hitting light winds.

[4][5][6] After fighting to keep the lead up the Derwent River, the Investec LOYAL crossed the finish line just three minutes and twelve seconds ahead of Wild Oats XI.

[9] Loki (Stephen Ainsworth) won her first 2011 Tattersall's Cup with an overall handicap time of 3:00:22:34.

[10][11] Another Challenge was skippered by Jessica Watson, the youngest person to complete a nonstop, unassisted solo sail around the globe at 17.