UPDATE: The fierce competition between supermaxis Master Lock Comanche and defending champion LawConnect escalated today on the second day of the 80th Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Just over 24 hours into the race, which started from Sydney harbor, Comanche holds a narrow lead of four nautical miles over LawConnect as they approach Hobart, Tasmania.
LawConnect faced significant challenges overnight, grappling with a broken mainsheet and halyard, but quickly repaired both issues to continue the chase. Skipper Christian Beck expressed determination, stating, “It’s mildly disappointing for us, but you win some, lose some. Everything’s good, we’re still in the hunt.”
As of now, the leading yachts are navigating near Gabo Island, off the coast of Victoria, with projected finishes at Constitution Dock in Hobart late tomorrow afternoon. Current weather conditions suggest they will finish more than two days after the start, well outside the race record.
Competing for top spots, SHK Scallywag 100 currently holds third place, closely followed by Lucky, an 88-footer helmed by Bryon Ehrhart. The race has already seen its first retirements, including Wild Thing 100, which reported rigging damage and safely returned to Sydney. Skipper Robert Large faced further issues with his yacht Inukshuk, becoming entangled in a fishing net, which delayed his progress significantly.
LawConnect, aiming for its third consecutive line honors win, led the fleet out of Sydney harbor. Conditions overnight were challenging but not as perilous as last year when two sailors tragically lost their lives in storms. In a poignant moment, the fleet honored victims of the December 14 terror attack by scattering rose petals off Bondi Beach as they passed early in the race.
This year’s race continues to gain attention as it unfolds, with skippers and crews pushing their limits in the quest for glory. As the supermaxis battle it out, all eyes will be on Comanche and LawConnect, each determined to claim victory in this prestigious event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the race progresses.
