yachts in 2023 sydney to hobart

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ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE: TENACITY CONQUERS ALL

Hobart, 31 December 2023 –  The 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will go down in history as a relentlessly demanding test of determination, as well as physical and mental resilience. The record will highlight a tooth and nail fight to the finish for Line Honours, and a Tasmanian boat joining the select few to have achieved two overall wins in the event’s near eight decades. Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Rolex has partnered the iconic offshore challenge since 2002.

For both the overall winner, Philip Turner’s 66 ft (20-metre) Alive , and the 100 ft (30.5 m) line honours victor, Christian Beck’s LawConnect, tactical skill and awareness was a major factor alongside sheer endurance. This was especially so in the River Derwent, on the final approach to Hobart, where the fates of many fatigued crews were finally decided. The unwavering tenacity of offshore sailors and their capacity  to summon their deepest reserves all the way to the finish, has been a common theme throughout Rolex’s near 70-year relationship with yachting. A fleet of 103 yachts had signed up for the renowned 628-nautical mile undertaking, ranging from fully professional maxi racers to more Corinthian crews, and including some 18 two-handed boats. Departing Sydney Harbour on 26 December under mainly sunny skies and accompanied by the usual throng of enthusiastic onlookers, an uncertain and unsettled weather outlook ramped up the already high stakes of this notorious course. The presence of low pressure over the New South Wales coast and the ominous threat of troughs was fair warning of what was to follow. Rapidly developing thunderstorms, lightning, intense rain squalls and winds erratic in strength and direction enveloped the fleet during the first 24 hours of racing. A south westerly then moved in, leaving the bulk of the yachts heading across Bass Strait and down the coast of Tasmania in upwind conditions that would turn very heavy, with a total of 16 crews forced to retire over the course of the race.

Line Honours Although four yachts were initially tipped as contenders, the battle to be first across the line in Hobart came down to a two-horse race between 100-footers LawConnect and Andoo Comanche , with LawConnect just managing to steal ahead in the final nerve-wracking seconds, after almost two full days of stalking their opponents.

“To win line honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a dream come true, especially against Comanche because it’s such a good boat, and in a circumstance where the lead changed so much. It was an incredibly exciting experience all around.”

LawConnect ’s triumph was in fact clinched by the narrowest of margins, with the two boats just 51 seconds apart on the finish line. The second closest finish in the race’s history. The drama had commenced early for the Juan Kouyoumdjian design, as Beck explained:

“We had a great start and were first at the first mark. But when we went to furl our big masthead zero, the furling line broke and so we couldn't wrap up this massive sail. And we're coming straight towards the zone where all the spectator boats were and we couldn't tack...”

The 21-strong crew, which included four Corinthian sailors, managed to avert disaster and recovered quickly to set up a veritable match race with the defending line honours champion Andoo Comanche . Entering the Derwent three miles behind Comanche, Beck looked set to add to his tally of three second-place finishes and perennial bridesmaid status. However the river is no place for the faint of heart and often rewards those that hold their nerve and take their chances. While Beck feared the race was lost, his afterguard of Tony Mutter and Chris Nicholson – two of the southern hemisphere’s finest and most experienced ocean racing sailors – had other ideas. Working with the equally talented American navigator, Chris Lewis, they reeled in Comanche, setting up an enthralling and memorable finish as the two colossi traded tacks, gybes and ultimately the lead. Beck was quick to admit that the win was very much down to the steely resolve of his capable crewmates, whose belief and motivation was inspirational for the rest of the crew:

“The determination was from Tony Mutter and Chris Nicholson, they never give up no matter how bad it gets. They are the ones that got us over the line.”

Overall Winner Overall winner Alive previously claimed the Tattersall Cup in 2018, and had come tantalising close in 2019. In a serendipitous turn of events, their success this year marks the 75th anniversary of the first Tasmanian boat to secure two wins in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. George Gibson’s Westward famously achieved consecutive victories in 1947 and 1948. Long-time skipper, Duncan Hine, was also part of the winning 2018 crew.

“Tasmanian boats have a long history in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, and to be one of those Tasmanian boats to have won, and now won it twice, is phenomenal.”

“Starting with a collection of people who have memories over the 10 or 15 races they’ve done, our navigator Adrienne Cahalan was on her 31st, you’ve got a lot of stored knowledge. Everyone in this race, all the guys could not have done any more, you didn’t even have to ask, everyone was on it.”

Gaining an all-important advantage over the main body, Alive swept towards the finish hard on the tail of the slightly bigger URM Group, with whom she had been sparring for two days. History has proved time and again that anything can happen on the Derwent , and it was arguably a close relationship with the fickle river that swung it for Alive , which represents the Derwent Sailing Squadron, by just 20 minutes on corrected time.

“In the end the Derwent is kind to people that know it, a little home advantage,” explained Hine, who also has a fair idea of the human qualities the race calls for: “Endurance, focus, and then endurance again.”

Like Cahalan, and Beck, and the hosts of sailors who return to complete this tour-de-force year after year despite the adversity and punishing roster, it seems the pain is already a distant memory and Hine is looking to future editions of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

“It’s a tough race and you can’t even really dream you could win it twice, so now I’m starting to think maybe we’ve got a third in us.” he admitted with a smile.

Former Australian yachtswoman of the year Adrienne Cahalan, navigator on Alive and now a three-time overall winner, arriving tired, cold and wet into Hobart’s Constitution Dock, did not underestimate the ingredients required for success.

“A lot has got to come together to win this race, that’s why it is so hard. The weather patterns have to be right, your equipment, your team. You get such a broad range of conditions, you have to know how hard to push or not push, and we pushed hard in this race through rough conditions.”

Having just beaten more than 100 other competitors to raise the coveted Tattersall Cup, Cahalan was clear on what an immense achievement this was.

“The Tattersall Cup is very hard to win. It took me 15 years to win it the first time. It's a really hard race because so much has to come together. So when you do win it, it does take a lot. It's something that everybody wants to do, but owners have spent years and years and never got over the line.”

Internationally renowned as one of the most arduous rites of passage in ocean sailing, a historic offshore challenge that has captivated professional and Corinthian sailors alike since 1945, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race represents a cornerstone of Rolex’s association with world-class yachting endeavours. On a course so challenging that finishing is considered an achievement in itself, the pursuit of excellence, precision, and team spirit shine through, echoing the Swiss watchmaker’s enduring ethos.

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Giles Pearman

Virginie Chevailler

ROLEX AND YACHTING Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships  with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Ultimate Guide: Why pensioners Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham are aiming to go one better this year

In last year's Sydney to Hobart , Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham lit up Constitution Dock right on the brink of the New Year.

Onboard their Yacht 'Currawong', the two sailed over the finish line 18 minutes before the clock ticked over 2023.

While they may have finished 83rd, they were winners in the eyes of everyone watching on, having become the first-ever two-handed female crew to conquer Australia's greatest sailing event.

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Now they're back, ready to compete again on Boxing Day.

And while they're used to bunking in close quarters, 71-year-old Veel and 63-year-old Canham haven't always been overly familiar with each other.

Two handed crew Kathy Veel, 70 Owner/co-skipper, and Bridget Canham, 62 on their 50 year old boat Currawong before the Sydney to Hobart in 2022.  Sydney Morning Herald/Louise Kennerley

"We are (close) now. We weren't close friends particularly when we started this but now we've spent so much time together ... we pretty much know what each other is going to say next," Veel told 9News Sydney.

For both women, while there is a definite love of sailing, another motivator for competing in the prestigious race is overcoming a stigma around their age.

"Just because you get to a certain age, it doesn't mean your future is in the bridge club or the bowls club," Veel said.

"You can inspire people to reach their own goals, they don't have to do a Sydney to Hobart, their own goal might be to own their own boat or learn how to sail," Canham added.

Last year, the satisfaction for both women came from crossing the finish line at Constitution Dock last year.

No doubt, there was pandemonium with the sound of cheers from spectators, coupled by the sight of fireworks only minutes after finishing.

But the two sailors aren't satisfied with just completing the race this year.

"I want to be there to welcome the last boat in," Veel said.

Ahead of the 2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, here is everything you need to know.

What time does the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start?

The famed bluewater yacht race kicks off on Sydney Harbour at 1pm AEDT on Tuesday, December 26.

Who has entered into the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

113 boats have entered for the 78th running of the event including four 100-foot maxis and several past winners.

There are 10 international entrants including three from New Zealand, two from Hong Kong, and competitors from New Caledonia, USA, France, Germany and Ireland.

Australia is represented across all six states with New South Wales boasting 60 entries while Queensland fields 18, Victoria 15, Tasmania seven, Western Australia two, and South Australia one.

How long is the race?

The race is 628 nautical miles long and takes an the winner around 48 hours or just under to complete.

How can you watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

You can watch the race via the 7 Network, with live coverage beginning on 7Mate from 12.30pm (AEDT) on Boxing Day.

Where is the best place to see the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

Accor Sydney recommends watching from the northern shore of Sydney, or even from around the Harbour Bridge. You'll likely be able to see the yachts pass you by at Cremorne Point, Bradley's Head and Clifton Gardens.

As for Hobart, finding a spot at Battery Point, where the races finishes, is your best bet.

Who is the favourite to win the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

There are a few favourites for the 2023 race.

TAB has Andoo Comanche at $1.50, followed by Law Connect at $3.60 and SHK Scallywag at $8.00.

What is the prize for winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?

The winners will take home the Tattersall Cup. It was first presented in 1946 by the Executors of the Estate of the late George Adams, who was the founder of Tattersall Lotteries in Hobart.

Who are the previous winners of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

2000: SAP Ausmaid

2001: Bumblebee 5

2002: Quest

2003: First National

2005: Wild Oats XI

2006: Love & War

2007: Rosebud

2008: Quest

2009: Two True

2010: Secret Men's Business 3.5

2012: Wild Oats XI

2013: Victoire

2014: Wild Rose

2015: Balance

2016: Giacomo

2017: Ichi Ban

2018: Alive

2019: Ichi Ban

2020: Not conducted

2021: Ichi Ban

2022: Celestial

What is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race record?

The race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds was set by LDV Comanche for Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant in 2017.

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Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2023 — how to watch and what to look out for

T he sight of big yachts tearing around Sydney Harbour's blue water with crews scrambling over the deck at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart race, can be thrilling, if somewhat confusing, watching.

Where is the start line? Are those boats going to crash into each other? What happens if someone falls off?

Do crew members get any sleep during the race? What prizes are they racing for? What do you mean the first over the finish line is not considered the top prize?

Wait, what ... there is a boat called Imalizard?

So many questions!

Let's try and answer them.

Where do they start?

This year, the 78th running of the Sydney to Hobart, has a fleet of over 100 boats ranging from supermaxis (typically boats over 21 metres) to smaller yachts.

There are two starting 'lines' with the larger yachts on the northern line just north of Shark Island, and the smaller boats on the southern line.

Two rounding marks off Sydney Heads compensate for the distance between the lines, before the fleet heads to sea on the ocean voyage to Hobart, 628 nautical miles (1,163 kilometres) away.

When does it begin?

It's already started!

At 1pm AEDT on Boxing Day (December 26) the ceremonial cannon was fired, marking the start of the race.

How can I watch it?

Race sponsor Rolex says the start will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live and on demand on the 7Plus app.

Internationally, the race will be available through YouTube on the CYCATV channel or via Rolex Sydney Hobart's Facebook page.

If you are in Sydney and on the water, spectators who wish to watch the start but not follow the fleet are advised to stick to the "western side of the harbour".

Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".

According to organisers, the harbour will be "very crowded and traffic can be chaotic, so stay alert, follow the advice of race officials and remember to keep well clear of the exclusion zone between 12pm and 2pm".

Will there actually be some near misses?

The start is when things can get feisty, with crews trying to get their yachts into the best position before the cannon shot and on the run to get around Sydney Heads and out into the South Pacific Ocean.

This is when near misses and actual collisions can happen, with spicy language occasionally making it onto the live television broadcast thanks to cameras on the boats.

Members of the public watching from boats are told to stay in a "zone" away from race competitors, but that can still make for more potential near misses as the competitor boats weave across the water trying to find their best way into the start line at just the right time.

All in all it can look like chaos and often results in protests being lodged by crews who allege other teams of a wide range of infringements of race rules, across the entire course all the way to the finish.

Sometimes, if protested against, boats can perform "penalty turns" while at sea as punishment. Both Wild Oats XI and Comanche performed penalty turns last year following a scrape in Sydney Harbour.

Decision to make — follow the coast or head out to sea

Once out of the harbour, the fleet then begins to make its way down the east coast of Australia, and are faced with a decision — to either stay close to the coast or to go further into open water where the East Australia Current can carry them. The amount of wind dictates this decision.

After navigating the NSW South Coast, it is then into Bass Strait, where the worst conditions are generally found, with strong winds and big waves.

Simply surviving is the key here. Equipment failure and breakage ends many a team's race during this stretch.

With Bass Strait successfully navigated, another choice needs to be made — sail close to the coast of Tasmania where they will find better water — or further out where winds are heavier.

Whichever the way, soon boats will be rounding "Tasman Light" and crossing Storm Bay. Then, they'll pass the Iron Pot at the mouth of the River Derwent . 

After a crawl up the often windless Derwent, boats will cross the finish line at Castray Esplanade before eventually settling in Hobart's Constitution Dock.

What are they racing for?

There is no prize money for the winners. 

Instead, crews race for trophies in a number of categories , the main events for casual observers being Line Honours (first across the line) and Overall (winner decided based on handicap).

The first yacht across the line wins the JH Illingworth Challenge Cup, while the Overall winner on handicap wins the Tattersalls Cup.

The Overall winner is considered a truer indication of sailing skill . The boats are smaller and lighter and therefore not as naturally fast. Getting them to Hobart is tougher. Handicaps (time adjustments) are calculated by a range of factors such as the weight and length of the boat.

Most of the time, Overall honours are won by a smaller, slower boat, which outdoes its larger opposition when time is adjusted for size and other factors.

The reigning Line Honours victor is Andoo Comanche, which won in a time of 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, the boat's 4th line honours victory.

The reigning Overall winner is Celestial, which finished 2022's race in 2 days, 16 hours, and 15 minutes.

In 2017, LDV Comanche set a new line honours record, finishing first in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, beating Perpetual Loyal's record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds, set the previous year.

Who can race?

The minimum age to compete in the race is 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

Each yacht generally carries between six and 24 crew members, the average across the fleet being 10 to 11.

The head of the crew is the skipper and often the skipper also owns the yacht. Other positions on board include the "helmsperson, navigator, tactician, trimmers and foredeck person, or for'ard hand", race organisers explain.

Two-hander boats (a category introduced in 2020) attempt the voyage with only two crew members.

After the 1998 race, in which six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired and 55 sailors had to be rescued by helicopter, at least 50 per cent of crew members in a team have to have completed a sea safety survival course.

All competitors must have completed an approved "Category 1" equivalent passage. One advertised course for Sydney to Hobart wannabe sailors offers five days of "continuously sailing" across a 500 nautical mile passage off the New South Wales coast, starting at $1,795 per person.

Conditions on board can be cramped and extreme, with very rough seas often battering yachts along the way. If a crew member goes over the side, that means teams have to circle back to collect them.

Winner of the 2022 Two-Handed Division Rupert Henry said for his two-person team, "we only manage around four hours max of sleep each".

"We know when each other needs to crash so we do it then."

As for people who easily get sea sick, perhaps this is not the hobby for you.

How can I follow the boats online?

You can follow the race on an online tracker , which shows the positions of yachts as they move south, via a GPS device on each vessel. 

As the race goes on, you can see the course charted by crews — unless of course the boat's GPS device gets switched off, rendering it invisible to spectators and other competitors — an accusation that was levelled at Wild Oats XI in 2018 by the owner of Black Jack.

Yachts can also be tracked on the Marine Traffic website .

Imalizard, Eye Candy and Millennium Falcon — what's in a name?

If you are the kind who chooses a favourite yacht based on the name, there are some good ones this year, including Imalizard, Disko Trooper, Millennium Falcon, Lenny, Mister Lucky, Pacman, Toecutter, Extasea, two yachts with Yeah Baby in their names, Chutzpah, Ciao Bella and Eye Candy.

Not among 2023's starters is Huntress, which came to grief last year after breaking a rudder, with the crew abandoning the vessel and it later drifting and  washing up on a remote Tasmanian beach , leading to a dispute over the salvage rights .

Main contenders for the Overall title are Alive (2018 winner, a Tasmanian boat), Chutzpah, Celestial, Smuggler and URM, as well as supermaxis LawConnect, SHK Scallywag, Andoo Comanche and Wild Thing.

Barring disaster, the Line Honours winner will almost certainly be one of the four supermaxis.

This yacht has raced under several names, previously racing as Perpetual LOYAL, Investec LOYAL and InfoTrack.

In 2016, Perpetual LOYAL became the fastest-ever boat to complete the race, setting a new race record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. That record has since been broken by LDV Comanche in 2017. Investec LOYAL also sailed to victory in 2011.

Previous owner Anthony Bell declared after his 2016 victory that he would be selling the boat. It was picked up by tech entrepreneur Christian Beck, with the boat's name changed to InfoTrack.

Now called LawConnect, conditions haven't suited the heavier yacht in recent years. It is yet to win a Sydney to Hobart under its new name and ownership but is always among the leaders' pack. It recently defeated Comanche in the Big Boat Challenge, a traditional lead-up event to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

John Winning Junior took over from Jim Cooney as skipper of the newly named 'Andoo' Comanche last year, and had instant success, beating its rivals to a 4th Line Honours victory. In 2017, it defeated Wild Oats for Line Honours, setting a race record in the process, but only after a controversial protest. It also claimed Line Honours in 2019.

Andoo Comanche will enter as hot favourite for Line Honours this year after installing a brand new million-dollar sails package and winning the Cabbage Tree Island race – it did however finish second to LawConnect in this month's Big Boat Challenge .

Scallywag looms as a wild card in this year's race, and on its day can challenge the likes of Comanche. Scallywag is lighter and narrower than Comanche, and is better suited to lighter wind conditions.

It has undergone modifications during the winter and will have a pair of Americas Cup sailors on board in Luke Payne and Luke Parkinson. Scallywag has never won a Line Honours victory.

Wild Thing 100 will be the newest supermaxi to be launched when it makes its debut in this year's race.

Owner Grant Wharrington has modified Stefan Racing, a Botin 80, which he sailed to fourth over the line in 2021 and 6th last year. Under the extension, the yacht has been rebranded as Wild Thing 100. Wharrington took Line Honours in 2003 with his previous Wild Thing, but the following year, whilst leading the fleet to Hobart, she lost her canting keel and capsized in Bass Strait.

Some other Sydney to Hobart race facts:

• Thirteen of the last 17 Line Honours victories have been claimed by Comanche or Wild Oats
• Wild Oats XI is not participating this year, the second time in three years the nine-time Line Honours winner has not raced. Skipper mark Richards said he'd be spending the time "relaxing somewhere with a beer in my hand"
• There are 21 two-handed crews (two-person team) competing
• The smallest boats in the fleet are a pair of 30-footers, Currawong and Niksen. Both are two-handers and Currawong is crewed by two women, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham
• The oldest boat to enter this year's race is Christina, built in 1932
• There are 10 international crews competing in this year's event
• It is tradition that the skipper of the boat first in to Hobart jumps into the chilly water of the Derwent

When does the race finish?

The Line Honours winner is likely to come in around 48 hours after the start, but this is very much dependent on the weather —  especially in the 22.2-kilometre final stretch up the Derwent River to the finish line.

This is when the wind can drop away and it becomes a crawl , with every trick in the book pulled out to make headway.

Yachts can finish at any time of the day or night.

In 2021, Black Jack crossed the line at 1:37am on December 29, followed by LawConnect at 4:11am and SHK Scallywag about 20 minutes after that.

In 2019, Comanche came in at a more reasonable time of 7:30am on December 28, with InfoTrack about 45 minutes later.

"It matters not whether it is in the wee hours of the morning or the middle of the day — a boisterous and enthusiastic crowd is on hand to clap and cheer the winning yacht to its berth," organisers say.

But the cheering was not just reserved for the first finishers.

In the 2022 race, the final yacht — Currawong — timed its finish impeccably, coming in just before midnight on December 31 , to be met with rousing applause from crowds at Hobart's wharf for New Year's Eve celebrations and an accompanying fireworks display.

Sydney to Hobart yacht race: How two days of sailing came down to just 51 seconds

Topic: Sailing

LawConnect crossed the finish line first, followed seconds later by Andoo Comanche. ( Supplied: CYCA )

The skipper of the line honours-winning yacht in this year's Sydney to Hobart race says the victory is all the more remarkable because his boat, LawConnect, is a "shitbox" compared to second-place getter and race favourite Andoo Comanche.

"I know it looks good on TV but if you go up close to that boat, it's rough as anything and Comanche is a beautiful boat, it's better in every way, four tonnes lighter etc.," Christian Beck said.

"Shitbox" or not, LawConnect overtook Andoo Comanche in the River Derwent in the final moments of the 2023 race to take out its first line honours in a sensational daylight finish, just 51 seconds ahead of its rival.

There were happy faces all around as the LawConnect crew celebrated with their trophy. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

"The lead changed several times, they took the lead pretty close to the line, we thought there's no way we can get it back," Beck said.

"There were guys [on board] that couldn't watch, it was very nerve-racking."

In a race that took the two leaders almost two days to finish, the turning point began just a couple of nautical miles from the finish line.

As Andoo Comanche tried to build speed off the Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay and seemed to stall in very little wind, Law Connect made its move.

This was the moment LawConnect first overtook Andoo Comanche on the River Derwent. ( Supplied: CYCA )

'"They seem to be accelerating out of the jibes a lot quicker than Andoo Comanche, so I don't think Andoo have a lot of options here, I think they're going to get rolled … really aggressive moves by LawConnect," said Lisa Darmanin, a commentator for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. 

But, not long after Andoo Comanche snatched it back again.

Then, in the second-closest finish in race history, LawConnect came back about 100 metres from the finish line. 

After being runner-up three times in a row, the sweetest moment arrived for Christian Beck as LawConnect crossed the finish line in a time of 1 day, 19 hours, 3 minutes and 58 seconds.

"I can't believe that result. Honestly it's a dream come true," he said.

How did they pull it off?

LawConnect manouvering its way to the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

So just how did the "underdog" manage to snatch the win away from Andoo Comanche after it held the lead comfortably while rounding the Tasman Peninsula and entering the River Derwent?

As we've heard, a lack of wind was a big factor.

"Our boat is big and wide and heavy and it's fast offshore but it is terribly slow when it is bumpy and no wind," the disappointed skipper of Andoo Comanche, John Winning said. 

"[As the finish line neared] we sent a guy up the rig and he said 'There's no wind at the finish, zero wind at the finish.'" 

But sailors are used to dealing with changes in wind so strategy was obviously a major factor at play too.

As well as the "aggressive jibing" from LawConnect, the winners were focused on learning from Andoo's "mistakes".

"Broadly, the strategy is to watch them and if they get into a bad spot, we avoid that bad spot," Beck said.

Spectator craft another factor

Then there were all the spectator boats to contend with.

In the final moments, a catamaran passed closely to Andoo Comanche and the crew was seen yelling and gesturing.

"We had all the spectator boats and we're trying to clear them out and they were like 'You've won', and we were like 'No! We have not won yet. Stop making waves everything is going to make a difference,'" Winning said.

Tasmania Police said action would be taken against a 57-year-old man for "allegedly breaching" marine and safety regulations.

"The man was skippering a private vessel when it reportedly encroached into the exclusion zone set by Marine and Safety Tasmania," it said in a statement.

The offence carries a fine of up to $3,900.

LawConnect and Andoo Comanche nearing the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

Winning said he didn't blame spectators for the result.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, I wish there were 500 of them," he said.

"It's even, everyone gets the same thing if they were ahead of us they would have had the wash but unfortunately we got the wash.

"Makes a little difference but that didn't cost us the race, we cost us the race."

The LawConnect crew celebrate their victory at Constitution Dock. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

And as the bubbly flows for the LawConnect crew, Beck is joking about now being able to offload the "shitbox".

"It's probably a good afternoon to sell it, the afternoon it beats Comanche, probably its highlight of its career, I'm sure."

Crowds lined Constitution Dock to welcome LawConnect and Andoo Comanche after an epic but slow final  battle to the finish line. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

LawConnect approaches the finish line to snatch victory from Andoo Comanche, which led most of the race. ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

26 December 2024

Spectator BOAT CRUISE

Sydney to hobart yacht race.

Over the past 77 years, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia's summer sport, join Sydney Charter Boat this year to see why!

As the past official start boat of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race for 6 years, you will be in good hands with our crew as for the first time you have the chance to be onboard Sydney Charter Boat luxury catamaran, Eclipse to watch the start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024.

Watch all the action up close and avoid the crowds that line the foreshore. Eclipse is a purpose built vessel, designed purely for entertaining. With large walkaround decks, multiple viewing areas, it’s perfect for a yacht racing cruise especially the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024.

Be treated like VIP's onboard Eclipse as you enjoy a gourmet canape menu and premium beverages throughout the event!

Live race commentary provided by Sydney Charter Boat

why book on eclipse?

Relaxed Atmosphere

Sydney Charter Boat looks forward to welcoming you onboard Eclipse for this yacht racing cruise. With a mix of indoor lounge spaces and open air outdoor decks, Eclipse is the perfect vessel to enjoy the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

With owner/operators Kate and Todd Hull leading a fantastic crew onboard Eclipse, your day with Sydney Charter Boat will be sure to be memorable. Many of our crew have been working with Sydney Charter Boat for over 5 years.

Exceptional experience

With 7 years as the official start boat of the Sydney to Hobart, Captain Todd Hull knows where to position Eclipse for the greatest viewing of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024. Book direct from boat owners and operators!

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2024

Spectator tickets are $250 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Unimpeded views of iconic Sydney to Harbour Yacht Race Start

5 viewing decks onboard Eclipse to watch from

Canapés throughout the event

Premium beverage package (optional Champagne upgrade)

Live race commentary by Sydney Charter Boat

Pick up & drop off from King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour

No children under 3 and strictly no prams.

FULL HEARTS & FULL BELLIES

Boxing day cruise MENU

Roving canapés.

Prawn dumpling

Peking duck pancakes

Assorted quiches 

Sweet potato and manchego cheese empanada 

Chicken Brie and cranberry tarts

Crispy prawn twists

Mediterranean lamb kebabs

Smoked salmon on potato rosti 

Prawns with avocado and mango salsa

Beef Wellington

Lemon meringue tartlets

If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please specify to our team while booking or inform the server.

PREMIUM DRINKS PACKAGE

NV Tulloch Cuvée Tulloch River White Semillon Villages Chardonnay Chateau La Gordonne Rosé Villages Pinot Noir Tulloch Pokolbin Dry Shiraz Corona, Peroni, 150 Lashes, Pure Blonde Furphy, VB, XXXX Non-alcoholic soft drinks and juices

 Optional Champagne available at $15 per glass

WHAT IS THE ROLEX SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE?

Over the past 77 years, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia's summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open tennis and the Boxing Day cricket test. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Charter Boat will bring you up close to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2024 on our boat Eclipse.

HOW CLOSE DO WE GET TO THE sydney to hobart yacht RACE?

The spectator cruise will get as close to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race line as is allowed, but since there are many moving factors involved that are not in the control of Sydney Charter Boat, we do not guarantee a perfect or unobstructed view.

Cruises and boats are allowed to operate only in safe areas by NSW Maritime so as to avoid any casualties and hazards. We always prioritise the safety of our customers and keep a close watch on the wind and other boats nearby to ensure you are as comfortable and safe as possible.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE YACHT RACE?

While the schedule may differ slightly, majorly the program remains as follows:

11.00am - onboarding

12.50 pm – 10 minute warning canon is fired

1.00 pm – Start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2024 commences with the firing of the canon

2.30 am – Return to King Street Wharf

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED ON THE SPECTATOR CRUISE?

Yes, children over the age of 3 are welcome aboard on Sydney Charter Boats. Please note, they must be supervised at all times. We strictly do not allow for prams.

If you have questions regarding our cruises and their facilities for children, please contact our team.

WHAT IS THE EXCLUSION ZONE?

For safety of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race fleet, an exclusion zone extends down either side of the harbour and is marked by yellow buoys. It is activated on 26th December at 11 am and stays active until 2pm. Only authorised vessels and race participants are allowed within this area.

CAN I CANCEL OR CHANGE MY BOOKING FOR MY BOAT HIRE?

If you need to cancel a booking that is scheduled to take place as normal, then cancellation charges may apply.

If you need further information or want to change your booking for your boat hire, you can contact us, and we will do our best to resolve your issue.

CAPACITY & SEATING On Eclipse Boat

Although we can take 240 guests, tickets are limited on our Spectator Cruise for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

While there won't be reserved seating, tables are available to sit at throughout the boat. This event follows a cocktail-style format, providing a dynamic and interactive atmosphere for our guests.

Can I book a private charter to cruise Sydney Harbour?

Sydney Charter Boat owns and operates Eclipse and Hoochie Mumma. Both boats are available for boat hire in Sydney.

We specialise in private charters for all corporate, social and special events including birthday boat parties, Christmas boat parties, team building events.

Enquire with us today about boat hire Sydney onboard Eclipse or Hoochie Mumma.

If you have any queries or want a customised package get in touch, and we’ll get back to you asap.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP

A father & son team.

It would be hard to find a more capable co-skipper for the world’s longest south to north race, The Melbourne to Osaka , than Tasmanian sailing legend, Ken Gourlay. Recently recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list with an Order of Australia for his services to sailing, Ken has teamed up with his son Tristan for the big event.

In 2007 Ken completed a solo circumnavigation of the world just to add to his long list of notable sailing achievements. Tristan meanwhile has been busy racking up his own impressive list of sailing feats, both racing and cruising. Recently the pair teamed up for shakedown voyage, completing a lap of Tasmania just to see what needed to be to the boat which will make the journey to Osaka.

Their Melbourne to Osaka entrant is Blue Moon 2 , an Adams 16.4 built in Victoria. Blue Moon 2 spent most of its life in NSW where she once took line honours in the Sydney to Coffs Harbour race before moving to Brisbane and racing competitively in, social twilight and club racing. Ken bought the boat in December 2023 and by the end of January Ken and Tristan had covered 2000nm double handed, including the circumnavigation of Tasmania.

Since then the boat has spent  considerable time on the hard undergoing a significant refit, including a complete re-rig of the mast. Tristan said, “ Blue Moon 2 has undergone a major refit in the 2024 winter to get her up to racing compliance and optimisation for double handed sailing.

“New AIS, radar and GPS unit along with some minor furniture modifications inside the wheel house will make the trip safer and more comfortable for Ken in the new captain’s chair.

“The rig has been stripped and fully rebuilt with all new wire fittings and chain plates, new Almast Reefit furlers to both forestay and staysail. A new motor has been installed along with new forward and aft bulkheads as per race regulations, second auto pilot along with an overhaul of the steering pedestal and linkages, “ he said.

With new decals and sugar scoops the boys will be traveling in comfort and style on their trip to Japan. Ken and Tristan are looking at some training runs across Bass Strait along with the inaugural Three Hummock Island race which will be their first offshore race with Blue Moon 2 . This will qualify them for the Sydney to Hobart and in turn will qualify them for the 2025 Melbourne to Osaka Race, with a little cruising between start and finish lines Ken and Tristan should have their systems and feel for the boat worked out to tackle any conditions thrown their way.

Revamping the sail inventory to fit easy to handle sails for the generally lighter conditions expected in the M2O race has also been on the list. The next big test for boat and crew will be the Three Hummocks Island race from northern Tasmania to the island on the east coast of King Island in Bass Strait. As any seasoned Australian sailor well knows, the rigors of Bass Strait are a good proxy for almost anything the world’s oceans are likely to throw at a boat and short-handed crew.

And the Gourlay team have Bass Strait credentials in spades, having competed regularly in many races in those waters. Together the father/son team has competed in almost all of the local Tasmania offshore races including the Three Peaks, Launceston to Hobart, Melbourne to Hobart, Sydney to Hobart, including a line honours racing double-handed together in the 2004 Melbourne to Launceston.

In 2005 Ken and Tristan raced against each other in the two-handed Melbourne to Vanuatu event and Tristan shades his respected elder by having competed in the 2018 Melbourne to Osaka race. It was that event which tempted Ken to come out of his self-imposed racing retirement but the desire for a bit more comfort and size saw the departure of their previous open 40 design yacht for the more spacious Blue Moon 2 .

In the recent King’s Birthday awards Ken Gourlay was honoured alongside the late Sir James Hardy, a world famous ocean and America’s cup racing identity. Ken’s sailing ambitions led to an early ambition to sail around the world.

Beginning his voyage in November 2006 Ken Gourlay became the first Tasmanian and the fastest Australian to sail alone, non-stop and unassisted, around the world. Completing his voyage at Launceston in the record time of less than 180 days, he beat the previous best time and officially became only the sixth Australian at the time to complete the circumnavigation making  him the fastest, and oldest, Australian to circle the world. The voyage also raised more than $100,000 for medical research into eyesight disorders and diseases in children.

“The trip was always something that I just wanted to do. It was a personal thing’, Ken said at the time. Ken Gourlays’ sailing career began early when he started sailing on his dad’s Derwent class yacht, which he had built and launched in 1939. At eight, his Dad bought him a Sabot, which he sailed until he graduated to a Tamar class dinghy which ultimately led to his first yacht, an Adams 13 in which he started his offshore racing career.

A series of ocean races over the years prompted Ken to build Spirit Silver Edition , his fourth keel boat. Built with the circumnavigation in mind  that yacht was also a quick racer.

In 2004 he and Tristan entered and won the Melbourne to Launceston race, sailing two-handed, in which 23 boats entered, only 17 elected to start and only three finished. But other family oriented cruises kept the sailing spirit alive. In 1998 Ken’s wife Wendy and daughter sailed the Pacific and with Wendy in 2000 the pair delivered a yacht from Darwin to urban in South Africa with her owner.

Story – Ian Howarth

HMAS Sydney joins international effort to enforce sanctions against North Korea

11 September 2024

Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney , has commenced service in Operation Argos, supporting international efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, as part of its Indo‑Pacific regional presence deployment.

Australia supports UNSC sanctions through the deployment of Australian Defence Force maritime patrol aircraft and surface vessels. During Operation Argos, HMAS Sydney and its embarked MH-60R helicopter will monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed maritime patrol aircraft on 13 occasions and Navy vessels 12 times in support of the operation.

HMAS Sydney is currently undertaking a regional presence deployment, encompassing the Pacific, Southeast and Northeast Asia regions, to contribute to Australia’s near continuous Indo-Pacific presence.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:

“Australia is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards denuclearisation.

“Defence regularly deploys ADF assets on Operation Argos to monitor and deter shipments of sanctioned goods, alongside partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“These deployments, as part of an international pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise, demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the global rules-based order.”

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Grant Coleman:

“I am pleased to bring the highly advanced sensors and capabilities of HMAS Sydney to this important surveillance and deterrence task in support of Argos.

“HMAS Sydney’s operational deployment follows a number of significant international engagements that have enhanced our relationships with allies and regional partners.

“All members of Sydney ’s crew are honoured to be making such important contributions to regional security, while representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific.”

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery of ADF’s support to Operation Argos at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20242525  

Information about Operation Argos is available at https://www.defence.gov.au/operations/argos

Media contacts

Other releases, media release, 08 sep 2024, exercise kakadu begins in darwin, 07 sep 2024, opening of facilities for a company 41st royal nsw regiment, tweed heads, 03 sep 2024, international defence science leaders feature at adstar summit 2024.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

Jessica Watson arrives in Hobart to great fanfare

• 31 Dec, 2023 07:00:00 PM

When Azzurro, the ‘Little Boat That Could’, docked in Hobart this afternoon just before 3.45pm, there was a huge crowd waiting to meet her – or more precisely, one of her crew – Jessica Watson OAM, who had just finished the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

As a 16 year-old, Watson sailed single-handed, nonstop and unassisted around the world. At the time of leaving, she came up against a lot of opposition, but proved her critics wrong.

Now 30, she remains one of the most modest and ordinary people you could meet. 

Stepping ashore from the S&S 34 Azzurro (Ella’s Pink Lady which she sailed around the world was the same design), after finishing the 2023 Sydney Hobart, Watson said, “Someone asked if we had broken anything and we said ‘just six people!

“We have bumps and bruises and one of the guys had a bit of a cut on the hand. But all are OK and the boat was great,” she said of the boat Jack Kliner from Queensland recently bought from Shane Kearns.

Kliner said, “I’ll be calling Shane to let him know how we went. I know he will have been watching and I hope we did him proud.”

Credit: ROLEX/Kurt Arrigo

Watson sailed her third Sydney-Hobart to raise awareness for the risk factors of stroke and advocating for prevention and treatment of strokes after losing her long time partner to a stroke in 2021.

In addition, she enjoys sailing and an adventure. Asked about the race, Watson said: “It was awesome, but brutal. Really, really unrelenting.

“It was either no wind, which was really frustrating, or a lot of wind and that was tough and hard.”

She and the crew were just happy to be in Hobart and to be received by a huge crowd and in time for the New Year.

Watson is one of so many women who have been lauded in the race this year. Women navigated the winner Alive and second placed URM Group . Vanessa Dudley sailed her 25 th Hobart and Annika Thomson won the Jane Tate Memorial for the first female skipper to cross the finish line, while others finished top three in their divisions.    

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!