The 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has become one of immense emotion, featuring both thrilling competition and tragic incidents at sea. Currently leading the pack is supermaxi LawConnect, which is set to arrive in Hobart after midnight, significantly setting itself apart from its competitors. Meanwhile, the formidable Celestial V70 is holding the second position, and Queensland’s Wild Thing rests comfortably at third.
LawConnect, helmed by Christian Beck, the CEO and founder of LEAP and the free legal help platform LawConnect, has faced unprecedented challenges this year. Following the retirement of rival yacht Master Lock Comanche, which suffered mainsail damage early Friday morning approximately 63 nautical miles off Green Cape, the pressure is on LawConnect to secure another line honor win. Beck’s crew is working tirelessly and is expected to make landfall around 3 AM Saturday.
Notably, the race has been marred by tragedy, as two sailors lost their lives during the first night. South Australian Nick Smith, 65, and 55-year-old Western Australian Roy Quaden faced fatal accidents when sailing off the coast of New South Wales. Smith, who was onboard Bowline, hit his head on winch equipment after being thrown across the yacht when struck by its mainsheet. Similarly, Quaden aboard Flying Fish Arctos was struck by the boom. Both incidents forced their respective crews to retire from the race.
Vice-commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, David Jacobs, addressed the media, stating, “It’s tragic. You’re expecting an adventure…to do something really special and something like this happens.” Adding to the gravity, Jacobs confirmed these were the first fatalities since the devastating 1998 race, which claimed lives during massive storms, prompting extensive safety reforms.
Despite experiencing initial favorable conditions with north-easterly winds, it soon became apparent to sailors and race officials alike, including Jacobs, just how quickly circumstances could worsen. “The forecast was strong winds to gale-force winds,” Jacobs remarked, acknowledging the challenging conditions faced by the boats.
Since the start of the race on December 26, 2024, the fleet has seen roughly 25 retirements from the initial 104 yachts, citing severe weather, equipment failures, and crew injuries. Master Lock Comanche's withdrawal made headlines, as it was the first time this renowned vessel, with multiple line honors, had ever retired from this prestigious event.
Meanwhile, Wild Thing 100 faced its own dramatic moment when it nearly capsized, having to make a last-minute maneuver to avoid Celestial V70, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the race.
Yet amid the turmoil, LawConnect continues to show resilience, guided by Beck who originally thrived on being hands-on but has learned the value of delegative leadership: “I used to try to help, but I realised later … the best thing you can do is nothing,” he said, adding, “If you’re chairman of a company and have a good CEO, the best thing you can do is nothing.”
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race remains Australia’s premier yachting event, with this year’s race crossing particularly treacherous waters, covering about 630 nautical miles through the Tasman Sea and Bass Strait. Expectations loom large as sailors navigate the turbulent waters, reminiscent of past disastrous conditions, but they remain committed to the pursuit of victory.
Final thoughts as the heroes of the sea make their way toward Hobart—a hopeful note is struck as crews rally together, strengthening their bonds and the camaraderie of racing sailors. While they face the brutal elements of nature, the ethos of this iconic race endures, embodying adventure, competition, and the spirit of sailing.
With the LawConnect crew positioned to cross the finish line and continue its legacy, the race’s safety protocols and lessons learned will be revisited, reinforcing the principle of ensuring the utmost care for all participants on such formidable waters. The question remains: can LawConnect capture line honors once more as dawn approaches on Saturday?
