LawConnect and Andoo Comanche were neck-and-neck the whole race, playing cat-and-mouse in light winds as they neared the finish. Perennial bridesmaid LawConnect claimed Sydney to Hobart line honours, coming from behind to pip fellow supermaxi Andoo Comanche in a thrilling finale. This was particularly impressive as LawConnect had been the runner-up in the past three events, finally achieving victory. The pair performed several jibe manoeuvres as they attempted to secure the lead in the challenging race conditions.
The final finish time of LawConnect, skippered and owned by Christian Beck, was one day, 19 hours, three minutes and 58 seconds, just 51 seconds ahead of Andoo Comanche. Their close finish makes it the second-closest in Sydney to Hobart history. According to Mr. Beck, it was a complete surprise that they managed to take the lead back from Andoo Comanche. In fact, some were so nervous they couldn’t watch the action unfold.
LawConnect had a dramatic start to the 628-nautical mile bluewater classic, being first out of the Heads in Sydney on Boxing Day after the retirement of fellow supermaxi SHK Scallywag, who was forced to retire after breaking her bow sprit. The race was challenging, with eleven of the 103-strong fleet pulling the pin due to damage and seasickness in the wild conditions, which included a thunderstorm on the first night. LawConnect navigator Chris Lewis described the stormy seas as “wild” with 180-degree wind shifts; a testament to the challenging conditions they faced.
Moneypenny, URM Group, and Alive are in a bunch roughly 80 nautical miles behind the two duelling leaders, with the third remaining supermaxi Wild Thing 100 further back in sixth. This victory marked a dream come true for LawConnect and a well-deserved win after years of being the runner-up.