Sykes History
OUR HISTORY
Six decades of Australian boatbuilding. 1966 to today.
From a single cedar scull built in 1966 to a global rowing manufacturer, the Sykes story spans six decades of Australian boatbuilding, through wood, fibreglass, honeycomb composites, carbon fibre, CNC and now large-format additive manufacturing. Along the way, our boats have won World Championships, Olympic gold medals, and a place in nearly every major Australian rowing program.
Built in Geelong. Used by beginners right through to Olympic gold medallists.
The timeline
The beginning
Jeff Sykes wins the Australian Men's single scull title in a 12.5 kg cedar single scull of his own design, and founds Jeff Sykes & Associates in Geelong, Victoria with the express purpose of building lighter, faster racing singles.
Mexico Olympics
A Sykes pair is used by the Australian Men's 2- at the Mexico City Olympics, within two years of the company's founding, a Sykes boat is on the world's biggest stage.
King's Cup
Western Australia wins the King's Cup in a new Sykes eight design, the first time a Sykes-built large boat takes the premier interstate title. Jeff Sykes wins the Australian 1X title again.
First world title
The Australian Men's Lightweight 4- wins the World Title in a Sykes wooden boat, Australia's first World Championship gold medal in rowing, and the first for a Sykes hull.
Composite era begins
A new Honeycomb (composite materials) range wins Gold, Silver and Bronze at the World Championships. Sykes is the first Australian boatbuilder to commit fully to composite construction, with technical guidance from Klaus Filter and Leo Wolloner.
Olympic gold
Antonie and Hawkins win 2x Olympic Gold in Barcelona in a Sykes M13.
Atlanta haul
Atlanta delivers four medals across five Sykes boats, 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.
New ownership
Jeff Sykes sells the company to Jeff Lawrence after 37 years at the helm. The company continues under the Sykes name and from the same Geelong base.
Athens gold
Tomkins and Ginn win 2- Olympic Gold in Athens in a Sykes M23.
Beijing gold
Free and Ginn win 2- Olympic Gold in Beijing, the second consecutive Olympic gold in a Sykes M23.
Breakwater facility
Sykes consolidates operations into the current Breakwater facility at 67 Tucker Street, purpose-built for modern composite manufacturing.
CNC capability
A CNC system is installed, adding extensively to Sykes' design and manufacturing capabilities. The transition from craft to precision-engineered composite manufacturing accelerates.
50 years
Sykes celebrates 50 years of expert manufacturing, half a century building rowing boats in Geelong.
Pivot during COVID
COVID strikes. Sykes acquires Charger Surf Craft and pivots into advanced manufacturing alongside boatbuilding.
Rowing Australia partnership
Sykes is selected as exclusive supplier of the small-boat training fleet for Rowing Australia for the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympic cycles.
Empacher partnership
Sykes becomes the official distribution partner for Empacher Bootswerft in Australia, one of the world's most prestigious racing hull brands.
By the numbers
Years building boats in Geelong
Olympic gold medal boats
Olympic & World Championship medals
Generations of mould shapes
Want to know more about our boats?
Take a look at our current range, or get in touch and we'll help you find the right boat for your crew.
Australian designed and made · Built tough for Australian conditions