Comanche Maintains Lead Over LawConnect in Sydney-Hobart Race

As the second day of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race unfolds, Master Lock Comanche and defending champion LawConnect remain in a fierce battle.

After a little over 27 hours since the fleet's departure from Sydney Harbour on Friday, Comanche has taken a slight lead of about four nautical miles over LawConnect in this classic 628-nautical-mile race finishing at Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania.

LawConnect faced challenges overnight, encountering issues with its mainsheet and halyard due to rough conditions, which the crew managed to repair while at sea, keeping their hopes alive.

“We faced a few setbacks, and Comanche clearly has been sailing well,” said LawConnect skipper Christian Beck. “While it's a bit disappointing, that's the nature of offshore racing. We're still in contention.”

Skippered by Matt Allen and James Mayo, Comanche continues to make strong progress as the leading yachts navigate through the unpredictable waters of Bass Strait.

With more than half the race distance covered, Hong Kong’s SHK Scallywag 100 secured third place, closely trailed by the 88-foot Lucky, captained by Bryon Ehrhart.

Race officials have indicated that the front-runners are on schedule to reach Hobart late Sunday afternoon, which means that finishing does not appear likely to break the longstanding race record that requires optimal downwind conditions.

Several retirements have already been reported in the fleet. The supermaxi Wild Thing 100 had to withdraw due to rigging damage, although all crew members are safe as the boat returns to Sydney. Inukshuk, led by Robert Large, also retired after getting caught in a fishing net, raising concerns about rudder damage.

LawConnect led the fleet at the start from Sydney Harbour on Friday, aiming for its third consecutive line honours victory. While last night was challenging, it was less severe than the previous year’s opening night, which saw two sailors tragically lose their lives amid severe storms.

Earlier in the race, participants paused to honor victims of the December 14 terror attack, scattering rose petals near Bondi Beach as they passed.

Owned by Australian entrepreneur Beck, LawConnect achieved the line honours last year in 1 day, 13 hours, 35 minutes, and 13 seconds. The overall race record of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds set in 2017 remains unbroken and unlikely to be threatened under current circumstances.