Forever etched in our memories: Looking back at the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

In 2023, Alive won Overall IRC Honours.

Early in 2024 Alive, LawConnect and Comanche confirmed they would return, promising a  high-stakes battle in 2024 to rival or even surpass 2023’s nail-biting finish. And the 2024 RSHYR certainly delivered adrenaline-rushing sailing, in droves.

Coming off the Line Honours victory in 2023, and having previously set a race record in 2016 RSHYR, Christian Beck (an experienced skipper with a reputation for tactical brilliance) helming LawConnect would undoubtedly lead the charge. Meanwhile, Andoo Comanche (now renamed Master Lock Comanche), competing under the banner of Matt Allen and James Mayo, would obviously seek redemption. Known for its formidable speed and sleek design, Comanche’s quest for a fifth Line Honours title made it a favourite among punters.

The 2024 RSHYR marked the 79th running of this iconic offshore racing event. Boats like the Peterson 44 Bacardi, entering its 31st race, highlight the race’s enduring legacy on Australia’s sailing community; it’s a race for everyone, whether you’re sailing the fastest maxi, or the smallest boat, you simply need to have the technical skill and emotional resilience to complete the course. However, that is easier said than done: the 628-nautical-mile course features several challenging segments, including the notorious stretch across the exposed eastern edge of Bass Strait which can feature strong winds and stronger gusts. The final stages lead through Storm Bay and up the Derwent River, culminating at the finish line in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.

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The smallest competitor was Sean Langman’s Kismet, a 33-footer built in 1955 and raced in the 1957 RSHYR. The second oldest yacht in the fleet, Kismet would race double-handed alongside the oldest competitor, Michael Spies’ Maritimo Katwinchar. Built in 1904, the timber yacht epitomises the event’s rich maritime history.

Among the international contenders, Ronald Epstein’s JPK 11.80 Bacchanal would make its debut as a newly launched boat, while Richard Fromentin’s JPK 11.80 Cocody arrived with the longest delivery—sailing 17,000 nautical miles from Malta across the Atlantic and Pacific to reach Sydney. Caro, the New Zealand Botin 52, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Known for its cutting-edge technology and grand prix pedigree, Caro is always a serious contender for IRC honours.

Two significant rule changes were introduced for the 2024 RSHYR:

1. Encouraging Female and Youth Participation: Boats with at least two female crew members, two youth sailors under 23, or one of each are permitted an additional crew member beyond the IRC certificate limit.
2. Satellite Communication Requirements: Satellite phones will replace HF radios as the primary communication method. This shift modernises fleet communications, with position reports conducted via satellite SMS.

Crews began to build up towards the 2024 RSHYR; some competed in key lead-up events to ensure they were in the right frame of mind for the epic competition:

• Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race (August 2024): Volstar Yeah Baby claimed overall victory, while URM Group took Line Honours.
• Bird Island Race (November 2024): URM Group secured another Line Honours win, while Caro narrowly bested it on IRC corrected time, hinting at a potential showdown in Hobart.

With just a month to go until the Boxing Day start, excitement continued to mount. Among the fleet of 106 (reduced from the 112 announced earlier in the buildup) entries, the fleet featured 34 entrants under 40 feet, including 16 double-handed teams. Notably, two all-female crews had entered to compete in this category: Wendy Tuck and Meg Niblett aboard the Sunfast 3600 Gizmo, and Saskia Groen-Int-Woud and Maud Demazure on the Nautor Swan 38 Celeste.

A record 23 double-handed teams (including 16 in the under 40-foot category) entered, reflecting the growing appeal of this demanding category. Double-handed offshore sailing brings its own unique challenges, as the two-person crews must manage spinnakers, booms, navigating, and sleep schedules (if taken!)

The 45 entries in the 40–50-foot range included renowned yachts like the Peterson 44 Bacardi, affectionately nicknamed “the Bus,” and the S&S 47 Love & War, a three-time overall winner. Racing legends such as the father-son duo Bruce and Drew Taylor on the R/P 40 Chutzpah—a consistent performer over decades—returned with high hopes for favourable downwind conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Gabrielle Woodhouse suggested north-easterly winds could dominate the Boxing Day start, promising a thrilling charge down the New South Wales coast.

With just a few more days to go, the countdown to 1300hrs on Boxing Day was on. Attention turned to the headline clash for line honours between LawConnect and the resurgent Comanche. While LawConnect eyed another victory, navigator Juan Vila on Comanche had his sights set on breaking the race record.

Finally December the 26th, Boxing Day arrived, and along with it the start of the race. The 2024 RSHYR delivered an exhilarating start, with a mix of drama, strategy, and exceptional seamanship as 104 (reduced from 106) yachts embarked on the iconic race. Sydney Harbour transformed into a vibrant and chaotic seascape as the fleet prepared for the 79th edition of the race. Spectators packed every available vantage point, while a flotilla of spectator boats filled the water. The harbour was a colourful display of spinnakers and hulls of all sizes, reflecting the diversity of the fleet.

Amid the initial manoeuvres, the start saw its share of excitement and near mishaps. Notably, Wild Thing 100, with its striking black and pink livery, narrowly avoided capsizing after a misjudged tack. The start itself unfolded in brisk 18-24 knots of nor’easterly breeze, propelling the fleet through Sydney Heads and onto open water.

LawConnect, the defending Line Honours champion, led the charge out of the harbour before encountering a snag with its furling line. This allowed Master Lock Comanche to take the lead as the fleet streamed southward. Wild Thing 100 and other contenders began asserting their presence, showcasing their speed in the fast downwind conditions.

The race quickly proved punishing. Within the first six hours, several boats faced issues, with Ciao Bella retiring early due to steering problems and URM Group dismasted after a gust caught them while racing at high speed. Navigator Alice Parker recounted the dramatic moment of the dismasting, praising the crew’s swift response to cut the rig away.

Other early retirements included Alive (engine failure), Transcendence Rudy Project (dismasting), and Calibre 12 (mainsail damage). The relentless conditions, with gusts exceeding 30 knots and a heavy sea state, pushed even the most prepared crews to their limits.

The battle for Line Honours was gripping, with Master Lock Comanche initially showcasing her renowned speed and leading the fleet. However, disaster struck as her mainsail sustained damage, forcing her to retire overnight—a shocking development for the record-holder seeking her fifth victory.

This retirement left LawConnect to reclaim the lead. Despite early setbacks, the 100-foot maxi capitalised on the strong downwind conditions. Wild Thing 100, Celestial V70, and No Limit remained in close pursuit, promising a fierce contest as the race progressed.

Further back, the IRC Overall and PHS divisions are unfolding as tightly contested battles.

• IRC Overall: Zeus, the DSS-foiled Infinity 52, led, followed by Caro and Smuggler. The French entry Cocody and Australian stalwart Chutzpah were also in contention, showcasing the diversity of designs and skill sets within the fleet.
• PHS Division: Quetzalcoatl headed standings, with Journeymen Flat White and Kayle closely following.

The Double-Handed division continued to highlight the grit and resourcefulness of smaller, two-person crews. Mistral, the Lombard 34, and Pacman, a Young 11, were leading the charge, with both achieving remarkable speeds in the challenging conditions.

Amid the race’s excitement and challenges, tragedy struck overnight that first night with the loss of two sailors from Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline.

Roy Quaden, a 55-year-old crew member from Western Australia aboard Flying Fish Arctos, tragically lost his life after being struck by the yacht’s boom. The incident occurred approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla, NSW. Fellow crew members administered CPR but were unable to save him. Flying Fish Arctos has since reached Jervis Bay.

In another heartbreaking incident, Nick Smith, a 65-year-old sailor from South Australia aboard Bowline, was struck by the yacht’s mainsheet, which propelled him into a winch. Despite the crew’s immediate efforts to perform CPR, Smith could not be revived.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), which organises the race, prioritised the well-being of the affected crews and arranged counselling services for them. In a statement, the CYCA expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and crews of the deceased, emphasising that safety remains the foremost concern in this iconic race.

These incidents cast a sombre shadow over the event; a stark reminder of the inherent risks of offshore racing, the sailing community rallied in support of the affected families and crews. Questions began to arise about the wisdom of continuing the race under such strong windy and gusty conditions.

The race was notably gruelling, with harsh seas and unrelenting winds causing widespread damage across the fleet, which tested even the most experienced sailors and well-prepared yachts. As of 1630 hours, on December 27th, 22 yachts had retired from the race, including Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. Other notable retirements include Bacchanal (broken boom), Georgia Express (electrical issues), Pretty Woman (headstay foil damage), and Zeus (foil damage).

With 97 yachts still racing, the 2024 RSHYR soon shaped up to be one of the fastest yet, thanks to sustained strong winds. As crews battled exhaustion and the elements, their teamwork and strategies were crucial. Amid the adversity, the race’s frontrunners continued their push toward Hobart. The 100-foot Law Connect led the fleet, approximately 109.5 nautical miles from the finish line, maintaining an average speed of 17 knots. The smaller Volvo 70 Celestial V70 followed closely, with Wild Thing 100 not far behind again.

In the IRC Overall standings, Celestial V70 commanded a strong lead on corrected time, while Caro (NZ) and No Limit vyed for positions in the top five. Among the Corinthian IRC contenders, Denali led, with Happy Wanderer and Sirene in close pursuit.

The Double-Handed division remained a tightly contested affair, with Inukshuk now holding a slight edge over Mistral and Kismet.

While the race has often been about speed and victory, this year’s edition highlighted something more profound: resilience and determination. The unpredictable and harsh seas had transformed the race from a contest of strategy and skill into a test of survival. For many crews, finishing the race would be an accomplishment in itself.

Not unexpectedly, and with no close finish or steal from behind, Christian Beck’s LawConnect claimed Line Honours in the 2024 RSHYR, crossing the finish line 35 minutes past 0200 on the 28th of December. This marked the yacht’s second consecutive Line Honours victory, completing the challenging 628-nautical-mile course in a little over 1 day, 13 hours and 35 minutes. With this achievement, LawConnect further cemented its reputation as a dominant force in offshore racing.

The race’s attention shifted to the coveted Tattersall Cup, awarded to the Overall IRC winner. Among the strongest challengers were Commodore Sam Haynes and his crew aboard Celestial V70. The yacht crossed the line a little later at 0510 that morning, securing second place on elapsed time. Haynes, who previously won the Tattersall Cup in 2022, had his sights set on another Overall victory.

Reflecting on the race, he described the relentless conditions of Bass Strait: “Bass Strait was the hardest part. There was a lot of spray, and the boat was charging. So, everyone had to work extremely hard. That was the hardest part, but there were plenty of hard parts.”

Wild Thing 100, skippered by Grant Wharington, took third place, crossing the line at 0537 that same morning despite significant setbacks. The yacht endured broken battens in the mainsail and lost control of the starboard steering wheel halfway across Bass Strait. Despite these challenges, Wharington and his team remained resolute, determined to finish the race.

“We wanted to finish the race and get here to Hobart, so we just kept sailing,” Wharington shared. His reflections on the event extended beyond competition: “It’s more than the race. It’s actually about the event and getting here and enjoying the hospitality that the locals put on for us. We always want to get here no matter what.”

While the front-runners had crossed the finish line, another group of yachts faced light winds in the final stretch to Hobart. New South Wales yachts Whisper and No Limit, along with Caro from New Zealand, encountered frustratingly calm conditions after rounding Tasman Island. The three boats were crawling at speeds between 0.5 and 3 knots.

A tactical search for breeze saw Whisper and No Limit veering southwest of Tasman Island, while Caro ventured further south. The gamble eventually paid off, as the yachts picked up speed, surging to 13 knots as they approached the finish.

Meanwhile, the majority of the fleet remained scattered across Bass Strait, battling varying conditions. For many, the race had been a test of endurance rather than outright speed, as the fleet navigated a course marked by punishing winds, equipment failures, and light patches.

Antipodes crossed the finish line at 0633 AM on December 29, marking the eighth boat to complete the race. With 66 yachts still racing and 30 retirements, the fleet remained highly active as more crews push towards the finish line.

Ian and Annika Thomson’s TP52, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, followed shortly after, continuing the steady stream of arrivals. Of historic note, Annika Thomson won the Jane Tate memorial trophy for the third time (a record!) as the first female skipper to cross the line.

Several more yachts, including Active Again, Chutzpah, Happy Wanderer, and Extasea, finished later in the afternoon under grey skies.

Commodore Sam Haynes and his crew aboard Celestial V70 are provisionally confirmed as the winners of the prestigious Tattersall Cup, marking Haynes’ second triumph following his 2022 victory. Reflecting on the win, Haynes praised the boat’s performance in ideal weather conditions and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to sail a Volvo 70: “It was the perfect weather for this boat. I wanted to sail as a Commodore, and I’m pleased I made the decision to charter this boat.”

Bruce Taylor’s Chutzpah crossed the line in 11th place, delivering a commendable performance despite challenges. The 75-year-old skipper credited his team for their resilience, jokingly stating, “My whole team was brilliant, except me. I wasn’t well.”

Taylor also noted that navigating Tasmania’s coast had been particularly challenging but credited navigator Kingsley Piesse for plotting an excellent course. Chutzpah looked poised to win Division 2, adding another impressive accolade to its history of top-three finishes since 1987.

Rupert Henry and Corentin Douguet aboard Mistral had established a commanding lead in multiple categories, including IRC Division 4 and Double-Handed Line Honours. With just 30 miles to go, the pair remained on track for another stellar finish, following victories in 2022 and 2023.

Close behind, Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth and Jupiter were battling it out for second and third in the Double-Handed IRC standings.

French yacht Cocody, skippered by Richard Fromentin, finished 16th over the line despite facing significant challenges. Crew member Damien Fleury described their harrowing first day in high winds: “We were pushing, pushing, pushing during the downwind. It was blasting 30 to 40 knots, and we knew it was critical to keep pushing.”

The team’s determination paid off as they battled through to secure a provisional eighth Overall position.

As December 30th arrived, a stunning red sunrise over Tasman Island set the stage for what promised to be a busy day of arrivals. By the end of the day, 57 yachts had finished while 17 yachts were still racing.

The next day, RSHYR honoured Roy Quaden and Nick Smith, the two beloved sailors who tragically lost their lives during the race.

On New Year’s Eve, the crew of Just Farr Love, winners of PHS reflected on their journey as an unexpected triumph. Starting with the simple goal of completing the race safely and enjoying the experience, they were thrilled to win their division on handicap in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Messages of support fuelled their determination as they realised they were leading, culminating in a warm reception upon their arrival in Hobart, Tasmania—a life-highlight moment for the team.

The 2024 RSHYR embodied perseverance, courage, trust, and an unwavering focus on the goal. This iconic race is never easy, and this year was no exception, marked by two tragic deaths that left a profound impact. While only one boat can claim victory, every sailor who took on the challenge and crossed the finish line emerged as a champion.

The true triumph lies in overcoming adversity and conquering the elements, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It’s this relentless spirit and the joy of prevailing against nature’s challenges that make this race so extraordinary and unforgettable.

Winners
IRC Overall / IRC Division 0: 1st – Celestial V70, 2nd – LawConnect, 3rd – Wild Thing 100
IRC Division 1: 1st – Caro, 2nd – Smuggler, 3rd – Ocean Cruisaders J-Bird
IRC Division 2: 1st – Chutzpah, 2nd – Sirene, 3rd – Volstar Yeah Baby
IRC Division 3: 1st – Cocody, 2nd – Ragtime, 3rd – Kanreki
IRC Division 4: 1st – Mistral (DH), 2nd – Midnight Rambler, 3rd – Supernova
IRC Division 5: 1st – Love & War, 2nd – Disko Trooper (DH), 3rd – Jupiter (DH)
Corinthian IRC: 1st – Sirene, 2nd – Happy Wanderer, 3rd – Toucan (DH)
Line Honours: 1st – LawConnect, 2nd – Celestial V70, 3rd – Wild Thing 100
Double Handed Line Honours: 1st – Mistral, 2nd – Joker X2, 3rd – Disko Trooper
Double Handed PHS: 1st – Fika, 2nd – Rumchaser, 3rd – Blue Moon
PHS Overall: 1st – Just Farr Love, 2nd – Oroton Drumfire, 3rd – Le Tiroflan
PHS Division 1: 1st – Oroton Drumfire, 2nd – Mako, 3rd – Another Chapter
PHS Division 2: 1st – Just Farr Love, 2nd – Le Tiroflan, 3rd – Crystal Cutter III
Corinthian PHS: 1st – Navy One, 2nd – Happy Wanderer, 3rd – Supernova
Sydney 38: 1st – Clockwork, 2nd – Poulpito, 3rd – Cinquante
Double-Handed IRC: 1st – Mistral, 2nd – Disko Trooper, 3rd – Jupiter

Retirements
Alive – Retired – engine issues
Bacchanal – Retired – broken boom
Blue Planet (DH) – Retired – loss of communications
Bowline – Retired
Calibre 12 – Retired – mainsail damage
Celeste (DH) – Retired – running rigging damage
Centennial 7 – Retired – mainsail damage
Ciao Bella – Retired – steering issues
Cyan Moon – Retired – battery issues
Flying Fish Arctos – Retired
Georgia Express – Retired – electrical issues
Gizmo (DH) – Retired – crew illness
Lord Jiminy (DH) – Retired – crew injury
Maritimo Katwinchar (DH) – Retired – hull damage
Master Lock Comanche – Retired – mainsail damage
Mayfair – Retired – broken equipment
Mondo – Retired – rigging damage
Philosopher – Retired – dismasted
Porco Rosso – Retired
Poulpito – Redress of 45 minutes granted by the International Jury for giving help to Flying Fish Arctos in accordance with RRS Fundamental Rule 1.1.
Pretty Woman – Retired at sea – headstay foil damage
Quetzalcoatl – Retired – crew injury
Rum Rebellion (DH) – Retired – equipment damage
Sailor Moon (DH) – Retired – gps/auto pilot issues
The Goat – Retired – crew injury
The Shepherd Centre – Retired – engine issues
Transcendence Rudy Project (DH) – Retired – dismasted
URM Group – Retired – dismasted
Verite (DH) – Retired – electrical issues
Wild Oats – Retired – rigging damage
Wings – Redress of 90 minutes granted by the International Jury for giving help to Flying Fish Arctos in accordance with RRS Fundamental Rule 1.1.
Zeus – Retired – foil damage