Defending champion LawConnect set sail from Sydney harbour on Friday, leading the 80th Sydney to Hobart fleet into the open sea.
The Start and Early Lead
The 100-foot supermaxi LawConnect broke away from the 129-strong fleet as soon as the cannon fired, taking an early advantage over rival supermaxi Master Lock Comanche. The start, marked by an overcast sky, saw every boat launch its spinnaker in an effort to exploit the windy conditions. Despite the clouds, LawConnect’s crew maintained a steady pace, pulling ahead as the fleet rounded the first bend off Port Jackson. The early lead set the tone for a race that would test both speed and resilience.
Tribute to the Victims
As the fleet moved past Bondi Beach, the sailors scattered rose petals along the coast to honor the victims of the December 14 terror attack. The gesture, repeated by every boat, turned the morning into a silent procession of remembrance. At the final briefing, additional rose petals were provided, and the entire fleet was expected to participate in the tribute once again. The act of laying petals underscored the event’s role not only as a sporting contest but also as a community gathering.
Weather Briefing and Conditions
The final weather briefing warned of a strong southerly wind that would push down the New South Wales coast. Crews were cautioned to expect a cold first night with swell between three and four meters (10 to 13 feet). Upwind conditions were also predicted, increasing the likelihood of damage to the vessels. While the conditions were not expected to match the severity of last year’s storms, which claimed two sailors, the fleet remained on guard.
Skipper’s Warning
Celestial V70 skipper Sam Haynes, also the commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia that organizes the race, expressed concern about the early-stage challenges. He said, “I think there will be retirements, it’s tough on boats in the early part of this race,” and added, “The crash bang, the waves, the gear itself is going to be under stress so it is a hard race in that sense.” Haynes went on to explain that the conditions would also be hard on crews, noting, “Also it’s hard on crews: seasickness and potentially some injuries. They can put boats out. I think there will be some retirements in these conditions.”
Race Records and Expectations
LawConnect, owned by Australian tech millionaire Christian Beck, secured last year’s event in 1 day, 13 hours, 35 minutes and 13 seconds for the 628-nautical-mile (722 miles, 1,160 kilometers) race. The race record set by LDV Comanche-1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, 24 seconds-has stood since 2017 and only appears under threat in very strong downwind conditions, which are not expected this year. The record’s longevity highlights the difficulty of surpassing the benchmark, even with the latest technology.
What Lies Ahead
With the early lead secured, LawConnect’s crew will need to manage the increasing swell and wind pressure as the race progresses toward Tasmania. The fleet’s tribute to the Bondi victims and the weather warnings suggest that the race will be as much about endurance as it is about speed. While the record-holding LDV Comanche remains a theoretical threat, the focus for most crews will be on maintaining safety and stability in the coming days.
Key Takeaways
- LawConnect leads the 80th Sydney to Hobart race, taking an early advantage.
- The fleet honored the December 14 terror attack victims with rose petals.
- Strong southerly winds and 3-4-meter swells forecasted, raising retirement risks.
The 80th edition of the Sydney to Hobart race has begun under a mix of reverence and caution, with LawConnect at the forefront and the entire fleet bracing for the challenges ahead.
