The 80th edition of the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has delivered a classic supermaxi duel, with Comanche and LawConnect locked in a fierce battle for line honours across the challenging waters of Bass Strait. By 3pm on Saturday, Comanche held a slender lead of just four nautical miles over its rival, setting the stage for a tense finale.
Retirements Pile Up in Testing Conditions
The race's demanding nature was starkly illustrated by a growing list of retirements. What began with three yachts pulling out on Friday had swollen to eleven by Saturday afternoon. Among the most notable casualties was the supermaxi Wild Thing 100, considered a dark horse for line honours, which retired in the early hours of Saturday due to rigging issues off the NSW South Coast.
In a devastating blow for its crew, the previous division winner Moneypenny was forced to retire after losing a life raft overboard in the rough weather. The team emphasised that safety was the paramount concern, requiring all equipment to remain onboard. Other retirements included Awen with a broken forestay, Trouble & Strife with engine problems, and Troubadour and Roaring Forty, where crew members succumbed to severe seasickness.
Supermaxis Battle Breakages and the Elements
Even the frontrunners have not been spared. LawConnect, aiming for a historic third consecutive line honours win, endured a difficult first night. The yacht suffered a broken mainsheet and halyard and lost its wind instruments at the start, with crew member Chris Nicholson describing the scene as a "bit of a horror show." Skipper Christian Beck acknowledged the breakages but confirmed the team was "still together" and racing.
Comanche, skippered by Matt Allan, is sailing with a point to prove after being forced to retire with mainsail damage in 2024. Close behind the leading pair, supermaxi SHK Scallywag and the American yacht Lucky held third and fourth positions respectively.
Crews faced an "uncomfortable and tough" first night, according to Jo Clarke aboard Rum Bucket, with upwind sailing in 25-knot winds and confused seas of 2-3 metres. While conditions were not as treacherous as the deadly storms of last year, they were testing enough to cause widespread seasickness and equipment failures.
A Race of Redemption and Resilience
For veteran skipper Grant Wharington, the withdrawal of Wild Thing 100 was a bitter pill. After significant upgrades this year, including a new larger rig, the yacht was forced out after 3:30am on Saturday while battling rudder and rigging issues. Wharington reflected on the race's relentless challenge, stating it "pushes the limits of technology and people's endurance."
An afternoon finish on Sunday is now anticipated for the line honours winner, which would be well behind last year's pre-dawn arrival and the race record set in 2017. As the fleet continues south, the focus remains on the gripping duel at the front and the sheer resilience required to simply complete one of the world's toughest ocean races.
