[1] Sykes' elite competitive rowing career spanned the period from 1960 to 1978.

[1] At the inaugural 1962 Australian Rowing Championships, Sykes became the national lightweight men's single scull champion wearing Corio Bay colours.

[1] In 1968 and 1972 he was selected in the Victorian men's lightweight four who contested the Penrith Cup at the Interstate Regatta.

He raced on the world stage at the West German International Championships in 1973 and represented Australia at the 1973 European Rowing Championships in Moscow where he placed tenth in the men's single scull.

[6] Sykes Racing initially focussed on smaller boats and had success as rowers of their sculls and pairs won Australian national championships.