Australian Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe has made a poignant and emotional debut in the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, leading a moving tribute to the victims of the Bondi mass shooting earlier this month.
A Solemn Tribute at Sea
As the fleet of supermaxi yachts, including Thorpe's vessel LawConnect, departed Sydney Harbour for the gruelling race south, sailors performed a unified act of remembrance. They scattered roses into the water to honour the 15 people killed and approximately 40 injured in the tragic attack at Bondi on December 14.
The shooting occurred during a Chanukah by the Sea event near the famous beach, with a father and son allegedly opening fire in the crowded area. The Jewish community has been profoundly affected by the massacre, and the sailing tribute was widely praised as a gesture of solidarity.
'Thank you for doing this beautiful gesture of solidarity bringing people together in harmony and peace,' wrote one social media follower in response to images of the tribute. Another added, 'The rose petals on the ocean are a lovely tribute.'
Thorpe's New Challenge on the Water
For Ian Thorpe, a five-time Olympic gold medallist and national hero from the 2000 Sydney Games, the race marks a significant new chapter. He is competing aboard the supermaxi LawConnect, owned by Christian Beck, who joined him in scattering roses at the start.
'I've spent my life in and around water, but this is a completely different test, both mentally and physically,' Thorpe said ahead of the event. 'Joining the LawConnect team is an opportunity to push myself, learn something new, and be part of an incredible Australian sporting tradition.'
Sam Haynes, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, commended the entire fleet for their participation. 'The tribute for the tragic events in Bondi has been very well received by the Jewish community, but also internationally recognised worldwide, and obviously here in Australia,' Haynes stated.
Race Developments and Conditions
The 80th edition of the Sydney to Hobart has already seen drama, with the first retirement occurring on the opening night. The 100ft supermaxi Wild Thing 100 was forced to withdraw due to rigging damage east-north-east of Tuross Head on the NSW South Coast in the early hours of December 27. All crew members were reported safe.
Meanwhile, the battle for line honours intensified between the overnight leader, Master Lock Comanche, and the reigning champion, LawConnect. The two yachts were separated by just over a mile as of 6:15am on Saturday, with both expected to pass Eden later in the day. However, officials confirmed neither is on pace to break the race record of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, set by Comanche in 2017.
LawConnect itself faced technical issues overnight, contending with a broken mainsheet and halyard, but managed repairs to stay in the hunt. 'We had a few things slow us down and Comanche's obviously done quite well,' LawConnect skipper Christian Beck acknowledged.
