LawConnect led the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet through Sydney Heads yesterday afternoon, before drama struck when her furling line refused to play ball.
As the fleet headed south in the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) annual race, Master Lock Comanche took advantage of the mishap and soon overtook their rivals and raced off down the coast.
At the time of writing, Law Connect were in the lead, ahead of Celestial V70, Black Jack 100, No Limit and Whisper.
Current retirements – Master Lock Comanche, Alive, Transcendence Rudy Project, Ciao Bella, URM Group and Philosopher:
Alive
Defending champion Alive, became the first casualty of the 2024 race, withdrawing because of engine issues. The Tasmanian boat, owned by Phillip Turner and skippered by Duncan Hine, won the 2018 and then repeated the feat in 2023. The boat withdrew shortly after 1600hrs.
Transcendence Rudy Project
Father and son duo Martin and John Cross have been devastated with the retirement of their Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 boat, Transcendence Rudy Project, after they lost their mast shortly after 1820hrs. They had completed 50 nautical miles of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the double handed category when tragedy struck off the NSW coast from Kiama.
URM Group & Ciao Bella
One of the favourites of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, URM Group, has been forced to retire after being dismasted. URM Group, owned by Anthony and David Johnston, was sitting fourth on line and fourth overall. She finished second overall last year after crossing the line in third place.
The Reichel Pugh Maxi 72 from NSW was sailing 65 nautical miles south east of Montague Island when the incident occurred.
URM Group becomes the fourth boat to retire from the race organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, after Ciao Bella retired at 2014hrs after her steering cable snapped leaving her rudderless.
Philosopher
The 2004 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race claimed its third boat to a dismasting when New South Wales boat Philosopher retired from the race.
The Sydney 36 CR owned by Michael Tilden from NSW, retired when it was approximately 16 nautical miles east of Jervis Bay at (TIME)
It became the fifth boat to retire on the first day.
Master Lock Comanche
In shock news early this morning (Friday), Master Lock Comanche (NSW) has retired from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, reporting mainsail damage.
So far, the conditions that were predicted before the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s annual race, have claimed six casualties.
Master Lock Comanche is the race record holder and was leading the race, approximately 63 nautical miles of Green Cape when she retired.
Tragic Deaths
Tragically, there have been two separate deaths overnight in the Race, involving the vessels Flying Fish Arctos (NSW) and Bowline (SA).
The Race Committee were advised both crew members were hit by the boom.
Flying Fish Arctos was sailing approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla when the incident occurred. Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not revive their fellow crew.
Bowline was approximately 30nm east/north-east of Batemans Bay and crew members administered CPR. A short time later officers from the Marine Area Command were informed that CPR had been unsuccessful.
As these incidents are being dealt with by the Water Police and all family members are yet to be contacted, we cannot provide further details at this stage.
Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased.
Story compiled from reports by RSHYR media
Official website: rolexsydneyhobart.com
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