The 80th Rolex Sydney to Hobart is almost here. For sailors, this race is never just about wind angles and sail changes. The ocean itself is a player — this year it’s shaping up to be an intriguing one. 

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and France’s national hydrographic and oceanographic office, Shom, have launched what is arguably the most ambitious test of S-100 data standards yet. Their international sea trials programme, running under the International Hydrographic Organisation’s (IHO) coordinated testbed framework, is not just a technical exercise, it’s a glimpse into the future of maritime navigation.