Source : ABC NEWS
In a tragedy-stricken Sydney to Hobart yacht race, defending champion LawConnect won back-to-back column honors successes.
The supermaxi, skippered by technical millionaire Christian Beck, powered up the River Derwent for a night-time complete early on Saturday night.
It had a complete period of 2 weeks, 35 days and 13 days, a little more than 20 nautical miles away of its nearest rival, Celestial V70.
Line honors are awarded to the first yacht to cross the finish line at Hobart, which is typically one of the big, quick supermaxi-class yachts, and are different from the general triumph, which is a handicap-adjusted finish time that accounts for various yacht sizes.
Due to the fact that there were no true rivals to the supermaxi on the last stretch of the river, LawConnect has now reclaimed its 2023 victory.
LawConnect sails up the River Derwent at Hobart minutes from the end, about 2:30am on Saturday. (Supplied: CYCA)
Last month, Andoo Comanche and LawConnect were neck and neck, trading the leading position until LawConnect crossed first, only 51 hours away.
The foe supermaxi and record-holder of this year’s race, then badged Master Lock Comanche, whose propeller was damaged, pulled from the competition on time two.
Just one crew member on Beck’s LawConnect has changed since the team’s 2023 win.
Master Lock Comanche had to retire on day two after damage to its mainsail. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
On the first day, two rivals pass away.
Two companies ‘ tragic deaths occurred in separate instances on day one of this year’s competition.
West Australian Roy Quaden, 55, died onboard Flying Fish Arctos, after being hit by the ship’s flying growth.
While 65-year-old South Australian Nick Smith, who was competing in his second Sydney to Hobart culture, died on ship Bowline.
Although it was initially believed that Mr. Smith had died in the same manner, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia ( CYCA ) vice-commodore David Jacobs claimed on Friday that he had actually been hit by the yacht’s main sheet before being thrown across the boat.
” Sadly he hit his head on the winch and that’s what killed him”, he said.
With assistance provided to the people of Mr. Quaden and Mr. Smith, Vice-commodore Jacobs stated that both boats had retired and were carefully in harbor.
