The 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race concluded today with the final yacht crossing the finish line in Hobart. The race, known for its difficult, dangerous, and exhilarating nature, has left an indelible mark on all involved. After sailing non-stop for 5 days, 21 hours, and 4 minutes, the Salt Lines, a Shipwright 70 sailing under Ocean Sailing Expeditions, reached the end of its journey at 10:04:13 AM Hobart time on January 1.
Skippered by Murray Stewart, who was on his fifth Sydney to Hobart race, Salt Lines is a remarkable vessel with a storied history. Built as a steel-hulled, 30-ton ketch, she originally launched as John Laing in Poole, UK, and was designed for the Ocean Youth Trust. The yacht was later renamed TravelEdge during its voyage to Tahiti in 2019, but the journey was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After being partially decommissioned and kept at a marina in Papeete, the yacht was purchased by Matthew Harvey, who renamed her Salt Lines and brought her to Australia.
In this year’s event, the crew displayed exceptional perseverance, with Stewart at the helm alongside Rick Stern, John Cook, Samuel Estoppey, Andrew Griffiths, Adam Head, Jess Hix, Trevor Howard, Steve Kane, Barry Meredith, Andrew Poperechny, Ken Thomas, James Toole, Lara Tyler, and Jacqui Webb.
While many yachts faced retirement due to damage, difficult weather, and injuries, Salt Lines remained resilient, navigating through challenging conditions and ultimately completing the race. The yacht’s design, with its 21-metre length overall, 5.5-metre beam, and 2.8-metre draft, made for a more comfortable ride compared to many others in the fleet.
