The company was founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1966 by the Australian champion lightweight rower Jeff Sykes.

Sykes saw the need for innovation in the Australian boat-building industry and set out to build world-class boats.

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

[1] The company's products are suitable for novice rowers through to world-class, elite athletes.

Since 1992, 75% of Australia's rowing medals from World Championships and Olympic Games have come from rowers using Sykes Racing shells.