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Alive Sails to Another Sydney Hobart Race Win

• By Rolex Newsroom
• January 2, 2024

Alive , owned by Phillip Turner and skippered by Duncan Hine, is the 2023 overall winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race . The Reichel/Pugh 66 arrived in Hobart to become only the second Tasmanian boat to have their name inscribed on the legendary Tattersall Cup not once, but twice.

“We’ve proved it wasn’t a fluke by winning it twice, so going into the history books I suppose is quite an honor,” commented Hine on his second overall win on this boat in five years, in typical understated fashion.

Preparation, experience and local knowledge proved to be invaluable for the winning crew, as conditions along the 628-nautical mile course pushed the smaller boats in particular to their limit.

Alive chose the same strategy as the maxis at the front of the fleet and headed east out of the Sydney heads, aiming to get around the worst of the storm fronts and harness the best of the easterly wind, a decision not without its concerns for skipper Hine.

“It was tricky, when you’re more than 100 miles east of the rhumb line and still going away from land and you’re going through the transition and thinking ‘is it ever going to come back to the way it was forecast’ – well, on one of the models.”

Like many of the 103 boats facing this arduous adventure, Alive had its share of breakages to contend with. “We were one sail down and it was the best sail for this race, we blew it out on the first day, but we hung on to URM . If we’d had that jib top we might have actually been in front of her.”

After 48 hours of battling the elements and shadowing their closest rivals on URM Group , as has often been the case in the near 80-year history of the event, the final 10 miles up Hobart’s Derwent River would decide the ultimate winner of this offshore epic.

“We didn’t realize URM was in the river, we actually thought she’d finished, and we saw her and thought, there it is. I knew what was going on and that the westerly weather pattern would replace the southerly that they had coming down the river. So, the hole that they fell into is well-known to any Hobartian sailor.”

Illustrating the importance of impeccable preparation and a wealth of experience, Alive ’s navigator Adrienne Cahalan, a former Australian yachtswoman of the year and now on her 31st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, had a plan from the start, and it was a good one.

“We stuck to our strategy. You try to make as many decisions as you can before you leave the dock. But in this race particularly, there were a lot of challenging scenarios, things were changing out there. But I was lucky to work with Stu Bannatyne and Gavin Brady, who’d done many around the world races. And we’d talked about it beforehand and we went and executed it, and it paid off.”

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Race winner decided by 51 seconds

• Helen Fretter
• December 27, 2023

The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race line honours battle is settled in the final gybe after one of the closest finishes in the race’s history, with Law Connect winning ahead of long-time leader Andoo Comanche.

Law Connect has won the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race line honours, after the closest finish in over 40 years, which ended in a gybe-for-gybe battle up the Derwent River against long-time leader Andoo Comanche .

Andoo Comanche held the advantage going into the Derwent with a two-mile lead, John Winning Jr’s crew crowded onto the bow in the light early morning winds to try and lift Comanche’s 8m beamy transom, which gives the yacht the nickname the ‘aircraft carrier’.  

Law Connect followed up the Derwent River with a knot or two more breeze, and were able to close the gap some two miles from the finish line, but the waters outside Hobart were littered with glassy patches, and each boat repeatedly battled to maintain hull speed through windless holes.

After 628 miles of racing, the lead changed repeatedly in the final half hour, with Law Connect taking the advantage on the final gybe for the line to roll over the top of Andoo Comanche and cross the line ahead.  

Law Connect overtakes Andoo Comanche metres from the finish line of the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

It was an exceptional display of light winds tactical match racing, with Law Connect helmsman Tony Mutter and tactician Chris Nicholson directing Christian Beck’s team to victory, after being 2nd on three previous years . Law Connect crossed the Castray Esplanade finish line in Hobart at 08.03.58am local time after 1 day 19 hours 03 minutes 58 seconds of racing.

Beck gave a self-deprecating speech after, praising the crew for their efforts on a boat he admitted was not as fast or well-funded as their rivals. “I honestly can’t believe it. I rated it about a 25% chance we’d win, so to win was just amazing.

“An hour ago we were about 3 miles behind Comanche, so to win – I still can’t believe it.”

Law Connect (SYD 1000)a Juan K 100ft Custom design, on its way to winning the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.

Mixed 2023 Sydney Hobart Race

The 2023 edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart has so far seen truly mixed conditions. The Boxing Day start delivered its customary spectacle, as the three 100ft maxis led the fleet out of a packed Sydney Habour. Law Connect gave an impromptu demonstration of how to gybe a giant overlapping headsail after breaking a furling line that left them unable to tack around a turning mark, while Scallywag took penalty turns once in clear water after a port-starboard incident with Comanche shortly after the start.

Start of the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race. Photo: Rolex/Andrea Francolini

Over the first two days of racing the fleet had to contend with electrical storms, squalls and severe sea states, as well as periods of light winds, and there have been 11 retirements so far. They included another line honours hopeful, the 100ft Scallywag , which had to retire after snapping the bowsprit in the first day of racing.

Other boats retired due to rigging damage, mainsail damage, and severe seasickness caused by the unpleasant sea state.  

Most dramatically the double-handed entry Rum Rebellion retired after being knocked down and having a Man Overboard, who was safely recovered.  

Co-skipper Shane Connelly reported that they were approximately 20 miles offshore on the first evening of the race, sailing under full main and spinnaker in 6-10 knots of wind, when the wind suddenly increased to over 16 knots with a ‘ferocious’ looking storm cloud approaching from behind.  

The duo prepared to drop the spinnaker, but a micro-burst of wind hit the yacht, causing a knockdown. Connelly, who had gone forwards during the spinnaker drop, was thrown overboard but tethered, and as the boat righted was lifted back onboard. He reported after: “The safety drills and systems all worked and we could sort ourselves out”

The stormy conditions caused issues across the fleet on the first night. Aboard the Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes crew member Geoff Cropley reported this morning: “We had lightning and thunder for hours. Then there was a major wind shift which auto gybed the boat.

“The spinnaker got wrapped in the drop, along with spinnaker staysail. All the team was up and trying to untwist and get that down. It took us about 40 minutes. We were heading north-east and sailing backwards for a period of time.

“We’re now hunkered down with a reef in the main. There’s little bit of blue sky. It’s quite nice out here.”

Azzuro, an S&S 34 owned by Jack Kliner, with crew including Jessica Watson, during the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Photo: Rolex/Andrea Francolini

Meanwhile the battle for IRC overall continues. IRC 1 contender Alive , a Reichel Pugh 66 with a talent-packed crew including Gavin Brady, Stu Bannatyne and legendary Australian navigator Adrienne Cahalan, a veteran of 30 Hobart races. Close behind them on the IRC rankings is Hobart grandee, Sean Langman on the Reichel Pugh 69 Moneypenny led IRC 0, while the  S&S 34 Azzurro raced by Jessica Watson  is fastest of the small boats on the current IRC rankings.  

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

Alive wins Rolex Sydney Hobart for a second time in 5 years.

Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine, has been declared the overall winner of the 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, securing the Tasmanian boat its second victory in five years.

• 03 Apr, 2024 11:26:00 AM

How the Hobart Was Won

Navigator Chris Lewis shares his view of the maxi yacht LawConnect’s thrilling win in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you live coverage from the finish of the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. We now take you to Hobart, Tasmania, where two of the race’s 100-foot supermaxis are ghosting toward the finish line, with underdogs LawConnect closing in on pre-race favorite, AndooComanche.

• 03 Apr, 2024 09:59:00 AM

Offshore Summer 2023 – Wild Thing 100

In the world of 100-footers, it is not often that we get to welcome new members. With rising labour and material costs, these yachts, which regularly steal the spotlight, are scarce. However, this year we were able to add another one of these spectacular racers to the roster. ‘Wild Thing 100’ is the brainchild of proud owner and skipper Grant Wharington, better known as ‘Wharo.’

• 29 Jan, 2024 11:27:00 AM

Thank You for making the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – A Race for the Ages

Reflecting on the resounding success of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 fills us with gratitude. The coordination required for hosting such an iconic event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of everyone involved.

• 23 Jan, 2024 10:00:00 AM

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023.

• 22 Jan, 2024 09:00:00 AM

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

The 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was one of the most challenging offshore classics in years and delivered some of the tightest finishes for both Line Honours and Overall victory in the race's history.

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!

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ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE: COMPELLING APPEAL

Geneva, 23 November 2022   – Incomparable and iconic, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has inspired sailors since 1945. It is a contest par excellence with a global reputation that transcends the traditional boundaries of the sport of sailing.

For 20 years, Rolex has been proud partner of the race and its organiser, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), a dynamic institution passionate about perpetuating and developing the discipline of offshore racing. The Swiss watchmaker’s affinity for sport and human achievement has always aligned with the enduring, pioneering qualities manifested in the ‘great race south’.

This year’s edition commences, as is tradition, on 26 December. The distinct slot in the international sporting calendar has always been a significant part of the event’s appeal. Watching the race start, whether from the shoreline, on the water, or on television, remains an integral part of the Australian holiday season. The departure from Sydney Harbour is an epic, celebratory occasion. It is the one moment when the colourful fleet converges – yachts ranging from 30 feet (9.14 metres) to 100 feet (30.48 metres) and crews both professional and Corinthian. The spectacle provided by the front-running Maxis is compelling, as their quest to take the psychological advantage of exiting the harbour first through the Heads rapidly unfolds.

Once out in open water, the 628-nautical mile (1,163 kilometre) race soon becomes a solitary experience for all competitors, notably during the long passage down the New South Wales coast and then across the easternmost edge of the exposed Bass Strait. That is where the race has developed much of its reputation as one of the world’s most daunting and demanding. Conditions can change dramatically throughout the course, even on the final section up the Derwent River, which can be as decisive as the previous 616 nm. Fickle winds on this 12-nm stretch can be particularly perilous and frustrating so close to the finish, where a warm welcome to the state capital, Hobart, is ensured through the organisational support of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. 

All this adds to the reputation and magnetic pull of the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Sailors are drawn by the opportunity to confront the many challenges, often returning year after year. Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie, a former participant, recognizes the undeniable qualities:

“The event has an impressive reputation drawn from the legendary achievements of the many great sailors and crews to have competed. It is a race all sailors want on their CV, but they must be prepared for some of the toughest and most challenging conditions they will ever face. It is a race where intrepid human spirit shines through.”

The most coveted prize is the Tattersall Cup, awarded to the overall winner. For the triumphant crew, passing into legend is guaranteed. Open to all, only the most determined entrants can truly aspire to this pinnacle of yacht racing achievement. While the prevailing weather needs to be favourable, teamwork, dedication and a commitment to overcome the countless obstacles are fundamental to success. Arthur Lane, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, is eager in his anticipation:

“It is poised to be one of the most enthralling races in recent years. The fleet is both diverse and competitive, with more than a hundred yachts expected to start. We look forward to seeing the crews test themselves against the race’s undeniable and complex challenges.”

At the front of the fleet, the modern era of the Rolex Sydney Hobart has delivered gripping, eventful battles to be first to finish, and 2022 promises to be no exception. The race has attracted an impressive number of the world’s 100-ft (30.48m) Maxi yachts, along with their driven owners and professional crews. As well as the opportunity to outfox skilled opposition at one of the world’s most renowned races, they are drawn by the possibility of beating the race record of 33 hours, 15 minutes, 24 seconds set in 2017.

For those contesting this year’s 77th edition of the race, whatever their ambition, human endeavour will once again be tested to the fullest. Simply finishing the Rolex Sydney Hobart is a momentous achievement.

ROLEX AND YACHTING Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race Set to Enthrall

Press Release

20 October, 2023

The 44 th Rolex Middle Sea Race starts tomorrow, Saturday 21 October, at 1100 CEST from Grand Harbour, Valletta. The Mediterranean’s most renowned offshore race has all the ingredients required for an enthralling contest.  An exceptional fleet is facing a shifting weather picture. Conditions look set to run the complete gamut of full on to full off over the days to come. The circular course means yachts should experience varied wind direction and strength through the 606 nautical miles. The diversity of yachts, ranging in length from 9.12 metres (30 feet) to 32.55m (107ft), will likely receive a share of the good, bad and indifferent. As always, the eventual winner of the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy determined under IRC Time Correction will be the crew that best pieces together the puzzle.

The brief, but essential, statistics are as follows. Some 1,000 crew from 47 nations are spread across an entry list of 110 yachts representing 25 countries. The largest yacht is Paprec Sailing Team (Spirit of Malouen X) skippered by Stephane Névé, among the 20-strong crew is Laurent Pagès, tactician on last year’s overall winner Teasing Machine. “ This is the first 600 mile offshore race with this boat ,” advises Pagès. “ We have a lot of things to learn with the boat and the Rolex Middle Sea Race is always challenging, so it is going to be very interesting. You can expect everything from very light to ‘hell’ which is why we love it. ”

At one third of the supermaxi’s length, the Dehler 30 OD Aether is being sailed double-handed by Evi Delidou and Jerry Petratos from Greece. In a twist worthy of a Hollywood romcom, the pair met during a boat delivery to the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race. They have been an item in sailing and life ever since. “ We met in the middle of the Mediterranean on the way from Greece to Malta ,” explained Delidou. “ We both have a love for long offshores, and it is time for us to do this magnificent race together .”

Alexia Barrier’s MOD70 trimaran Limosa (first boat to finish in 2022 as Mana) should show the fleet a clean set of transoms. There are two other fast multihulls – Finn, Jacopo Bracco’s Banuls 53 (USA) and Aldo Fumagalli’s Rapido 40, Adamas – vying for honours under MOCRA.

In the monohull fleet, an impressive line-up of maxi yachts has gathered. Bryon Ehrhart’s American entry Lucky (27m / 88ft) is the former five-time line honours winner Rambler 88 and with much of the old crew onboard has the armoury and skillset to lead the charge. Ehrhart won the race overall on his debut in 2010. Leopard 3, last year’s fastest monohull, has undergone some serious surgery in recent months. At 30.78m (100ft) and five tonnes lighter than a year ago, she remains a potent threat. Making a first appearance, US entry Pyewacket 70, winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 in February, brings some serious racing pedigree and a star-studded crew. Pyewacket 70’s navigator Peter Isler thinks they could be a dark horse in the line honours contest. “ The weather is stacking up to be quite challenging and that might be good for us ,” says Isler, “ The relative speeds of the boats around us are pretty well known for the typical racecourse. This year, if we sail a lot upwind, we could see some performance windows and opportunities .”   Andrea Recordati’s Bullitt was second across the line last year, and is another weapon to have been upgraded and not to be discounted.

Looking at the monohull entry list as a whole, the fleet is stacked with talent from top to bottom. The Rolex Middle Sea Race has always been a melting pot and even the most innocuous looking boat can feature an offshore wizard with the ability to push a crew to greater than expected achievement. Clear favourites, on paper at least, the 52 footers, such as Max Klink’s Caro from Switzerland, winner of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race, and Chris Sheehan’s Warrior Won from the United States (third at the Fastnet and fourth at the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, also just behind Caro). According to Sheehan there may be too much upwind work in the forecast for the American PAC52 to challenge as strongly as he would like. Navigator Will Oxley is on his fourth race, with a best performance in 2021 with triple-winner Comanche, agrees but acknowledges opportunities lie ahead. “ This race looks like being different to the previous three ,” he advises. “ It looks a windier race than average and probably a lot more upwind than average . This is a race where it is easy to come unstuck blindly following the routing. Being on deck and watching what is going on is a key component. It is never straight-forward. ” Red Bandit from Germany and the Swiss Chocolate 3 (former Optimum 3, winner of the race in 2004) may be others to watch.

Slightly smaller, but no less blessed with talent and opportunity, the NMD 43 Albator of Philippe Frantz (third overall in 2018) and the Carkeek 45 Ino Noir of RORC Commodore James Neville were both fast finishers at this summer’s Fastnet. A pair of Cookson 50s – Franco Niggeler’s Kuka 3 (Switzerland) and Robert Pethick’s Testacoure Race from United States will be looking to replicate the exploits of Mascalzone Latino, the winner in 2016.

Six of the past ten races have been won by yachts between 12m (40ft) and 15m (50ft), and there are some likely looking candidates this year. A close contest should develop between the two Carkeek 47s, which match in passion for offshore racing, but differ in experience. Optimum 5 – Samos Steamship, led by Periklis Livas and Nikos Lazos, are celebrating 30 years of the Optimum Yacht Racing Team. Winners in 2004, this will be their eight race, albeit the first with their latest, lighter and wetter ride. Stortebekker is one of eight female skippered teams, and features a young German crew from the Hamburger Verein Seefahrt.

Malta has been one of the two most successful nations in the past 10 years, along with Italy, winning overall on three occasions since 2013. The Podesta siblings – Aaron, Christoph, and Maya – are racing the First 45 Elusive 2, which won the ultimate prize in 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, Lee Satariano has also lifted the trophy twice, most recently in 2014 in a previous boat. His latest craft, the all-carbon HH42 Artie III comes with the added bonus of multiple race winner Christian Ripard on his 33rd trip around the course. Jonathan Gambin, Dufour 44 Ton Ton Laferla, has competed in every race since 2008 and was third overall in 2020.

The beauty of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is that it offers more than just competition. All entrants want to do well, to test themselves against their peers. Many are simply satisfied with the opportunity to put daily life to one side, and spend time on the water with friends and fellow sailors enjoying one of the most magical courses in the calendar. Two active volcanoes, a myriad of islands, azure waters and the chance of some sunshine and warmth is an attractive package not to be missed.

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