Christian Beck’s 100 footer, LawConnect, takes Line Honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race for a second year running.
LawConnect crossed the finish line at Castray Esplanade in Hobart early Saturday morning, 28 December at 02.35.13 AUS time, in a time of 01 day 13 hours 35 minutes 13 seconds.
This is her third Line Honours victory – her first was as Perpetual LOYAL in 2016 when the now 16-year-old broke the race record.
On board were all but one of last year’s victorious sailing crew along with Beck’s usual few from his business, each given the priceless opportunity of taking part in one of Australia’s greatest sporting events.
Their Kiwi sailing master Tony Mutter said in consideration of the circumstances around the race, there were no celebrations on the boat.
“We’ll do that quietly later on,” he said.
LawConnect’s finish time was 4hrs 19mins 49secs outside the race record of 01 day 09 hours 15 minutes 24 seconds set by LDV Comanche in 2017 in the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) 628 nautical mile race.
Celestial V70, the Volvo Open 70, better known as Willow and chartered by CYCA Commodore, Sam Haynes, finished second. The 70 footer, tailor made for the conditions in this race, was just over 20 nautical miles behind LawConnect when the latter crossed the finish line.
Celestial V70 is also the current ‘Tattersall Cup’ overall leader of the race, with LawConnect sitting in second place.
Grant Wharington’s 100 footer, Wild Thing 100, with her short rig, is the third boat due into Hobart where the crowds are gathered on the water and ashore. The Queensland yacht is presently placed third overall.
2024 Leading positions 28 Dec @ 24:00 UK time
1st LawConnect – Finished
2nd Celestial V70 Finished
3rd Wild Thing 100 Finished
4th Whisper Finished
5th No Limit Finished
6th Caro Finished
7th Smuggler Finished
8th Antipodes Finished
9th Ocean Crusaders J-Bird Finished
10th Active Again DTG 15 nm
