Bow Caddy Wrap of Day 3 of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Comanche passes by as she flies up the Derwent River © Crosbie Lorimer

Benign’ might be a reasonable description of the 2019 race south for the fleet’s five supermaxis, but the light air transition on the NSW south coast was extremely taxing for navigators and crew alike.

High levels of continuous concentration, complex strategy discussions, little if any sleep and endless sail changes proved every bit as demanding as any Hobart classic of previous years.

Even the Derwent River added a reminder that you’re not done ‘til you’ve crossed the line, giving Comanche’s crew some nervous moments when she came to a standstill 4 nms from the line, with InfoTrack threatening on the horizon. In the end Comanche prevailed and took Line Honours in 1 day, 18 hrs, 30 minutes.

As Comanche started celebrations on the dock, InfoTrack could be seen in the background crossing the line. Remarkably, Wild Oats XI made up a 38 nm deficit from her major park up on the first morninhto pip Scallywag to the line by a mere 38 seconds, the luckless Black Jack coming home fifth after breaking a top spreader.

As the day drew on, first Alive then Chinese Whisper, Naval Group, URM and No Limit all finished. Close to sunset, with the sea breeze beginning to fade, Ichi Ban drew into Constitution Dock, holding the provisional first place overall in IRC, followed minutes later by Gweilo and Envy Scooters.

It was a big day!

Crosbie Lorimer – Bow Caddy Media

Crosbie provides a race update summary from a very busy Day 3 and what still lies ahead.

Mike Sanderson - Comanche

With years of experience in Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup sailing it was no surprise to see Mike Sanderson standing beside Jim Cooney as he guided Comanche up the Derwent in one of the river’s more erratic moods.

Kyle Langford, Helmsman and Trimmer - Comanche

Equally at home on beamy ocean racers as foiling America’s Cup boats, Kyle Langford was a key member of the Comanche team’s afterguard. Sydneysiders will be seeing him again in February 2020 for the Sail GP series.

Christian Beck, Owner – Infotrack

The most self-deprecating owner of the super maxis, Christian Beck attributes all of Infotrack’s success in gaining a second place to his accomplished crew.

Tony Mutter, Sailing Master - InfoTrack

It says something of the quality of crew and Tony Mutter’s role as sailing master that InfoTrack, the oldest of the super maxis (and which its owner Christian Beck himself talks down!) managed to finish a very close second to Comanche.

Chris Nicholson, Helmsman - InfoTrack

Having just completed his seventh race to Hobart, and as a highly credentialed Volvo Ocean racer Chris Nicholson played a pivotal role in getting InfoTrack to Hobart in second place.

Duncan Hine, skipper - Alive

Alive’s skipper Duncan Hine summarises the highs and lows of their race.

Will Tiller, Crew Boss – Alive

Kiwi crew boss and sailmaker Will Tiller helped to organise a young crew for the winner of last year’s Tattersalls Cup, seeing Alive to sixth place over the line.