Rolex Sydney Hobart – Andoo Comanche leads fleet to Hobart – Sailweb
The 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was a dramatic start on Boxing Day.
Moments after the fleet of 109 boats began their 628 nautical mile race, the race between the four maxis was impacted by drama.
Three of the maxis took the western channel on Sydney Harbour – Andoo Comanche, Black Jack and LawConnect; while Hamilton Island Wild Oats immediately tacked for the eastern side.
The fleet then tacked up Harbour to make their way out from the Heads.
A standout sight was that of the John Winning Jr-skippered Andoo Comanche executing a 720-degree penalty turn due to a possible protest against them.
Hamilton Island Wild Oats, skippered and managed by Mark Richards also took a penalty turn, even though they didn’t know if it was required.
The honour of being first out went to Christian Beck on LawConnect, ahead of the Oatley Family’s Hamilton Island Wild Oats.
John Winning Jr. had Andoo comanche leading the race after six and a-half hours of racing. He was sailing at 19.6 kts ahead of LawConnect, Hamilton Island Wild Oats, Peter Harburg and Black Jack.
The first drop out, was the Hick 40 Avalanche, a two-handed entry owned by James Murchison and co-skippered by James Francis, reporting a broken bowsprit, reducing the fleet to 108 boats and 19 two-handed entries.
The second to retire was Yeah Baby the Akilaria R2, due to rudder failure. They are returning home to Sydney.
There are still 107 boats in the fleet, including 19 two-handers.
Line Honour Leaders – Elapsed race time 00:20:39, Sydney 27 Dec 09:20
1st Andoo Comanche – John Winning Jr – DTG – 279
2nd LawConnect – Christian Beck – DTG 292
3rd Hamilton Island Wild Oats – The Oatley Family – DTG 294
4th Black Jack – Peter Harburg – DTG 297
5th Willow – Jim Cooney – DTG 335
6th Stefen Racing – Grant Wharington – DTG 339
7th Alive – Philip Turner – DTG 341
8th URM Group – Anthony Johnston – DTG 345
9th Moneypenny – Dean Langman – DTG 350
10th Whisper – David Griffith – DTG 360
Race Organiser Notes
Avalanche (TH) – Retired
Yeah Baby – Retired – rudder damage
Get the most recent standings here. . .