Published On: December 28th, 2023
LawConnect, the perennial bridesmaid, has claimed the 2023 Sydney to Hobart yacht race honour. The 100-foot supermaxi left behind Andoo Comanche by just 51 seconds.
The Sydney to Hobart 2023 winner was also a runner-up in the past three events. He reportedly edged across the River Derwent finish line shortly after 8 am (AEDT) on Thursday. Law Connect results state that it was the second-closest finish in Sydney to Hobart history. The earlier record was made by Condor of Bermuda, who beat Apollo by 7 seconds in 1982.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2023
LawConnect and Comanche were in a tough battle the whole race. The most astonishing fact was that they both had their nose in front in the dying stages.
Christian Beck, skipper and owner, said his maiden line honours win was a dream come true in the 628-nautical-mile event. Comanche, the Pre-race favourite and 2022 winner, took the lead into the River Derwent. He did it after holding the advantage down Tasmania’s east coast a night earlier on Wednesday.
LawConnect and Andoo Comanche established themselves at the front of the pack. This happened on Boxing Day when the two players started with two protest flags thrown during an early conflict.
Officials also warned participants about the challenging weather conditions that awaited them ahead of the much-hyped race.
Law Connect Results
The public was thrilled to watch the exceptional display of light winds during the tactical match racing. LawConnect helmsmen Tony Mutter and Chris Nicholson are the ones who directed Christian Beck’s team to victory. Earlier, they held the 2nd position for three previous years. LawConnect crossed the Castray Esplanade finish line at 08.03.58 am local time in Hobart. This happened after 1 day 19 hours 03 minutes 58 seconds of continuous racing.
More on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Tony Mutter, LawConnect sailing master, said they did not assert any wrongdoing on the part of Comanche. She was initially the first one out of the Heads in Sydney. This happened during the dramatic opening day when the public witnessed another critical event. This was related to the retirement of fellow supermaxi SHK Scallywag. The latter decided to retire because of a broken bow spirit.
The race’s starting 103-strong fleet included eleven players, some of whom have pulled the pin. A few also reported damage and seasickness after a thunderstorm on the first night.
URM Group, Alive, and Moneypenny are about 60 nautical miles from the end. Moreover, Wild Thing, the third remaining supermaxi, finished 100 further back in sixth.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Highlights
The 2023 edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart witnessed mixed conditions till the end. The Boxing Day start is reportedly said to have delivered its customary spectacle. Everything started perfectly as the three 100-foot maxis led the fleet out of the Sydney Harbour. LawConnect also gave an impromptu demonstration of how to gybe the much-hyped giant overlapping headsail. This was done after breaking a furling line that left the players unable to tack around a turning mark. On the other hand, Scallywag took penalty turns in clear water after a port-starboard incident with Comanche between the races.
This is how LawConnect skipper Christian Beck lifted the trophy in Hobart. He came out victorious after more than 43 hours of sailing. Yet, he also admitted to having feelings of losing the race during the final moments.
The 1163 km race featured a fleet of players vying to win one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting events. However, most were quickly whittled down amid horrible conditions, with many famous players being eliminated from the race.
