Sydney Hobart – Magnificent Results
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 31 Dec 2023 06:41 HKT
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Alive - Duncan Hine (TAS) - Reichel / Pugh 66 - December 2023 © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
18 retirements, all tucked up safe and sound, except for the amazing octogenarian David Henry, whose Sydney 36CR, Philosopher, is still at sea. Rig damage (frayed shroud) has ended the campaign for Henry and co-Skipper Stephen Prince. 71 finished at the time of writing, leaving 14 racing, with four of those not exactly looking like being in for NYE (or anytime soon...) Not unless there is a personalised Boeing Chinook or Sikorsky Tarhe service being offered anytime soon…
Proving that in order to win overall and get the big silver Tattersall Trophy, first you have to win your Division, is Alive. Division 0 and overall must feel good, and to do it twice is past commendable, and on towards definitive statement. Well done. The deck was stacked with the likes of Duncan Hine, Stu Bannatyne, Gavin Brady and the inimitable Adrienne Cahalan, but Philip Turner’s crew shone like the pros they are.
Division One went to Sebastian Bohm’s TP, Smuggler. Steve McConaghy was the Tactician on board. Seb talked about having something of everything during the race, and even found a moment to call it enjoyable. OK, that was when the seas flattened out at sunset on the second night and that ghosted along in 10 knots of wind. Bet that part will be remembered first when it comes time to put the entry in for the 2024 Hobart…
Division Two was taken out by Damien King’s Margaret Rintoul V. The classic Frers would have had a good trip down in the conditions, and a win is the proverbial icing on the cake. Perhaps even the cherry on top! No shortage of talent on board with Ben Morrison-Jack part of the team.
Division Three went to Patriot. Jason Close is probably the definitive go to person for a Master Class in boat preparation. Thorough does not even come close. Terribly personable and hilarious, the humble yachtie just LOVES his sailing, and sometime about now will most likely be turning his attention to the next campaign. OK. Maybe tomorrow…
Division Four went to the splendidly sailed 34-footer, Mistral. Named for the famous cold and strong Mediterranean breeze, Rupert Henry and Jack Bouttell flew down to Hobart as if propelled by that very wind which gets funnelled by the Alps on one side and the Pyrenees on the other.
Every one of the podium positions in Division Five were taken out by Two-Handers. Like wow!!! Did somebody say unbelievable? First was the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300, Kraken, sailed by the Tasmanians Rob Gough and John Saul. Next was Min River, the JPK 10.30 sailed by Jiang Lin and Aymeric Belloir. Third went to the chartered Sun Fast 3300 Cinnamon Girl. The super seasoned Irish crew of Cian McCarthy and Sam Hunt chalk up another result for their CVs.
HNY to everyone. Many thanks to you our readers for your patronage, comments, emails, and calls. They are much appreciated. Cheers to you. Big round of applause to the extended team at this time of year - Tony Lathouras and Clayton Reading, without whom we’d be deaf, and the Bow Caddy Media crew – Crosbie, Dale, Wendi, and Jake for tireless engagement, and quality outcomes.
Please enjoy your yachting, stay safe, and thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com