Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: LawConnect clear Line Honours victor
Christian Beck has defied the pundits, his 100 footer, LawConnect, pulling off Line Honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race for a second year running, crossing the finish line at Castray Esplanade in Hobart early this morning at 02.35.13, in the time of 01 day 13 hours 35 minutes 13 seconds.
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. 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.
Unlike last year’s thriller which saw LawConnect and the John Winning Jr’s Andoo Comanche go head-to-head with the former coming out on top by 51 seconds, Beck’s yacht had the Derwent to herself after Master Lock Comanche damaged her mainsail yesterday, forcing her out of the race.
Late last night, at 11.10pm, Race Liaison advised that LawConnect had rounded Tasman Island, when her navigator, Christopher Lewis, gave an ETA at the finish line of 02.45am this morning.
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.
Celestial V70, the Volvo Open 70, better known as Willow and chartered by CYCA Commodore, Sam Haynes, is the next yacht due over the line. 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 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.
