Early attrition for Sydney Hobart Race

The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race got underway in sunshine, blue skies, and building 18-24 knot northeasterly for the 104-boat fleet on December 26 from Sydney, Australia.

First to exit Sydney Heads and enter into open water were two of the 100-ft maxis: LawConnect, first home in 2023, followed by Master Lock Comanche, current race record holder.

While optimism about the frontrunners surpassing the race record of 1 day, 9 hours and 15 minutes had waned a little, the first 24 hours promise to bring fast boat speeds with the likelihood of strong to gale force winds and thunderstorms.

But to win you must finish, and the attrition list soon grew on the first day:

• Defending champion Alive, a Reichel Pugh 66, became the first casualty, withdrawing at 1610 because of engine issues.

• Martin and John Cross’s double handed entry, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 Transcendence Rudy Project, retired when they lost their mast shortly after 1820hrs.

• Ciao Bella retired at 2014hrs after the steering cable on the Hanse 505 snapped to leave her rudderless.

• The Reichel Pugh Maxi 72 URM Group, owned by Anthony and David Johnston, was forced to retire after being dismasted at 2215

• The Sydney 36 CR Philosopher owned by Michael Tilden from NSW, retired after losing its mast at 2314.

Details – Entries – Tracker – Facebook

The 2024 Sydney Hobart Race extends 628-nautical miles from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania. The start on December 26 takes place in the heart of the Australian summer, with 105 yachts set to take on the 79th edition.

Source: RSHYR