Entries for Rolex Sydney Hobart close with 112 yachts confirmed

by Di Pearson, RSHYR Media 1 Nov 00:07 PDT
26 December 2024


All systems are ready for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © ROLEX | Andrea Francolini

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Entries for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have recently closed, showcasing a remarkable and varied fleet of 112 yachts set to start on Boxing Day, 26 December.

At 1300 hours local time, the cannon will signal the beginning, sending the fleet on their demanding journey south.

Leading the fleet out of Sydney Harbour will be four distinct 100-foot yachts. The latest addition is Master Lock Comanche, a four-time Line Honours winner and current race record holder, chartered this year by Matt Allen and James Mayo.

Last year, the yacht raced under the name Andoo Comanche and led for much of the race, while Christian Beck’s 2008-built LawConnect, caught up in the light and unpredictable River Derwent, made a dramatic challenge. The lead exchanged hands several times in the river, with LawConnect finishing just 51 seconds ahead of Comanche.

Beck returns to defend his title, and Grant Wharington is back with Wild Thing 100, the 100-footer he extended from 80 feet for last year’s race. A newcomer to the competition is Bill Barry-Cotter’s Oyster 100, Maritimo 100. Unlike the all-out racers, this yacht offers some comforts, but those familiar with these boats assure they are competitive on the racecourse.

The highlight of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s 628 nautical mile race is the Tattersall Cup, awarded to the Overall winner. The competition is open, featuring entries from every Australian state and six international yachts from Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, New Caledonia, France, and the US.

Regarding the quality and quantity of the fleet, Commodore Sam Haynes expressed, “As Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, I am thrilled to see 112 yachts entered. It’s a fantastic turnout. We’re particularly proud of the growth of the Double Handed division since it began in 2021, which has become a key facet of the Great Race.

“Welcoming grand prix and international yachts to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is always thrilling; in my view, this is the most iconic 600-plus mile ocean race globally. However, it is the competitors who return each year that truly embody the heart of the event. Best of luck to all!”

Returning champion and two-time winner, Philip Turner’s RP66, Alive, is back alongside the runner-up, Anthony Johnston’s RP72, URM Group. The two had a fierce competition in 2023, and we expect nothing less this time around.

Nonetheless, the weather and its conditions significantly influence the race, along with a touch of luck, a boat’s age, and the skill with which it’s sailed against varying weather conditions. These elements will determine the winner among boats ranging from 30 to 100 feet in diverse designs.

There are six international competitors to watch, notably Max Klink’s TP52, Caro from New Zealand (third in 2022), and two JPK 11.80s; Ron Epstein’s brand new Bacchanal from the US and Richard Fromentin’s six-year-old French entry, Cocody. Both possess racing pedigree, Epstein having prior racing experience.

In addition to Alive, five other past winners are also competing. The 2022 champion, Celestial, will race as Centennial 7 under new owner Ernesto Echauz from the Philippines. Locally, Simon Kurts’ three-time winner, Love & War, will be helmed by son Phillip. The S&S 47 thrives in strong winds and will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of her first victory this year.

In an unusual twist, nearly half the fleet falls within the smaller 30-40 foot category. Among these, several come from the increasingly popular Double Handed division, which boasts 23 entries this year. Notable is Rupert Henry’s Lombard 34, Mistral, which remarkably finished sixth Overall last year while defending her 2022 Double Handed division title.

Jules Halls’ Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth triumphed in the division back in 2021 and returns to this configuration after competing fully crewed last year.

There is an increasing presence of female sailors, with 18 owners and/or skippers and co-skippers participating. Two all-female Double Handed crews are following in the footsteps of icons Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham, who are not entering this year. Others aim to replicate the achievements of Adrienne Cahalan and Alice Parker, who navigated Alive and URM Group to first and second Overall last year.

You can view the entrants here.

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