Rolex Sydney Hobart underway

LawConnect led across the line as the starting canon fired at 1300 AEDT and held off determined challenges from Master Lock Comanche and the US entry Lucky, as they rounded the turning mark, with Palm Beach XI in their wake.

The surprise was New York Yacht Club’s 88 footer Lucky, which is currently snapping at their heels two hours into the 80th edition of the 628-nautical-mile race.

Early disappointment struck the 2025 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race when the Bruce Tardrew owned Yendys became the first to withdraw, breaking her backstay just before the 10-minute Warning Signal was fired.

It was a devastating blow for the crew, as they didn’t even get to start.

“Beyond disbelief,” was how one of the crew described it back at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia marina.

SHK Scallywag, with David Witt as skipper, executed a 720 degree penalty turn offshore, to be cautious in the event of a protest, which they declared the Race Committee.

Sumatra, from the CYCA under skipper Shane Diethelm, temporarily suspended racing to fix a hydraulic issue, but plans to continue to race once the issue has been resolved.

The remaining 128 boat fleet is currently battling strong southerly winds and big swells.

Conditions make for challenging and potentially rough sailing, with organisers warning that it will be cold, wet and bumpy.

As part of today’s race, several yachts scattered rose petals as they passed Bondi Beach in a tribute to the victims of the recent Bondi terror attack.

The fleet will continue south down the NSW and Victorian coast, across Bass Strait and into Storm Bay, with the 100-foot maxis potentially finishing in around two days under favourable conditions — though this year’s weather likely won’t produce a record time.

LawConnect leads early as Beck plays down betting talk and fleet attrition begins

Speaking from on board to the media centre at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia while the boat surged south at speed, Beck dismissed pre-race chatter that a $250,000 bet had been placed on LawConnect being first out of Sydney Heads.

“We thought that was crazy,”  Beck said, acknowledging the story had circulated onshore, “but as it turned out, it wasn’t so crazy — though it was just a rumour.”

According to the race tracker, LawConnect remained marginally in front as the heavyweight favourites closed in behind. Beck admitted the position had taken him by surprise, particularly given the conditions off the start.

“Very surprised, because it was a downwind start and Master Lock Comanche is faster downwind. If it had been upwind, then we are better, ” he said.

“We saw that — Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI and Lucky were close behind us. It all comes down to crew. The crew work has been fantastic.”

In a moment that underlined how small margins can matter even on 100 footers, Beck revealed LawConnect’s spinnaker was set seconds ahead of its main rival.

“Our spinnaker was deployed about 20 seconds before Comanche’s,” he said.

Conditions at sea were already demanding, with boats powering through short, rough waves at double-digit speeds.

“Pretty fast, pretty rough — we’re doing about 13 knots,” Beck said, adding that Master Lock Comanche remained clearly in sight in “reasonably rough seas.”

In fact, just 6 nautical miles separated the top six yachts, with LawConnect leading Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI, SHK Scallywag 100, the 88ft Lucky and Wild Thing 100.  

The early intensity of the race was underscored by the first retirements of the fleet, as mechanical reliability began to shape the contest as much as raw speed.

Queensland Welbourn 50, Hutchies Yeah Baby, was forced to withdraw from the 80th edition of the race after suffering a headstay foil issue, compromising its ability to safely manage headsails.

Victorian M.A.T. 1245, White Noise, also retired due to rigging problems, while the South Australian Northshore 38, Inukshuk, exited the race with rudder issues — a critical failure in the heavy, fast-building seas. An earlier ‘Did Not Start’ was registered when Yendys suffered a broken backstay before the race even started.

Such early exits served as a reminder that the Sydney Hobart’s reputation is built, not just on glamour and rivalry at the front of the fleet, but on the relentless stress it places on boats and crews alike.

Amid the intensity, Beck also offered a lighter update on one of his high-profile crew members, Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe, who is competing in his first Hobart.

“He’s been good,” Beck said. “He’s been a great help.”

A total of 125 yachts remain in in the 628-nautical-mile race.