The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is already experiencing significant challenges as tough weather conditions lead to early retirements. Within the first four hours of the race, four yachts withdrew, highlighting the difficulties faced by participants. The reigning line honours champion, LawConnect, initially led the fleet down the New South Wales coast, sailing upwind in rough seas and maintaining a lead of approximately one nautical mile over its nearest rival, Comanche.
Skipper Christian Beck expressed surprise at leading the fleet, given that Comanche is typically favored in downwind conditions. “It all comes down to the crew. I think they’ve done an exceptional job,” Beck remarked. “Really on a downwind start, Comanche should always beat us. We’re good on an upwind start but I was very surprised to win a downwind start.”
The race commenced at 13:00 on December 26, 2023, but conditions deteriorated quickly. Yendys withdrew shortly before the start due to a broken backstay, and three other yachts—Hutchies Yeah Baby, White Noise, and Inukshuk—followed suit shortly after, citing various mechanical issues. Their departures reduced the fleet to 125 yachts.
First-time entrant Sumatra experienced hydraulic problems soon after leaving Sydney Harbour and had to halt racing temporarily to address the issue. The 78-foot Oroton Drumfire made an unscheduled stop in Botany Bay for repairs but managed to continue racing.
As the race progressed, competitors faced increasingly harsh weather. Co-skipper of Ocean Crusaders, Annika Thomson, described conditions as “pretty rough,” with wind speeds ranging from 18 to 25 knots, occasionally spiking to 30 knots during squalls. She noted that one crew member had already succumbed to seasickness amid the challenging conditions.
The forecast suggests that conditions will intensify overnight, with swells anticipated to reach between three and four meters. While not expected to be as perilous as last year’s race, which saw two fatalities, the risks remain significant. Sam Haynes, skipper of the reigning overall winner Celestial V70, cautioned fellow racers to be vigilant. “I think there will be retirements; it’s tough on boats in the early part of this race,” Haynes stated, also noting the toll such conditions can take on crews.
In a poignant moment, the fleet paid tribute to the victims of the Bondi terror attack by scattering rose petals off the coast of Bondi Beach early in the race. Olympic champion and Hobart debutant Ian Thorpe joined Beck in the gesture, further underscoring the community spirit of the event.
As the race continues, competitors are bracing for the challenges ahead, underscoring the enduring spirit of the Sydney to Hobart race despite the early setbacks.
