The crew of the 30.5-metre (100-foot) maxi yacht Black Jack prevailed in the contest for Line Honours at the 76th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. It was a seesaw battle, initially raced in punishing conditions before ending in light and variable winds. Black Jack successfully held off the attentions of two other similar-sized maxis to secure the Illingworth Trophy awarded to the first boat to finish. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the preeminent offshore competitions and the 2021 race is living up to its fearsome reputation with fleet enduring an extended period of strong southerly winds and a big sea during the early stages. Perseverance has characterized the race since it was first held in 1945, and never more so than this year.
Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race has been partnered by Rolex since 2002