LawConnect leads the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after a downwind start, with skipper Christian Beck praising his crew for an exceptional job. The boat is currently one nautical mile ahead of rival Master Lock Comanche as it sails upwind in rough seas off the NSW coast.
However, tough conditions have already forced four yachts to retire within hours of the start. Yendys withdrew before the race due to a broken backstay, while Hutchies Yeah Baby, White Noise, and Inukshuk followed after racing began, citing damaged headstay foil, rigging issues, and a rudder problem respectively.
First-time entrant Sumatra temporarily suspended racing to fix hydraulic issues in Sydney Harbour but later continued. Oroton Drumfire stopped at Botany Bay for repairs before sailing on. Crews are bracing for strong southerlies and swells up to four metres overnight.
Ocean Crusaders J-Bird co-skipper Annika Thomson described conditions as 'very bumpy' with winds between 18 and 25 knots, and one crew member already seasick. Sam Haynes, skipper of reigning overall winner Celestial V70, warned of likely retirements due to gear stress and potential injuries.
Before the race, the fleet paid tribute to victims of the Bondi terror attack by scattering rose petals off Bondi Beach. Olympic champion Ian Thorpe, making his Hobart debut, joined LawConnect skipper Christian Beck in the tribute.
