2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: From around the fleet
by Di Pearson & Steve Dettre/RSHYR media 27 Dec 2024 17:09 PST
28 December 2024
Whisper at the start of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © ROLEX | Carlo Borlenghi
Divine intervention
A congregation of Sydney nuns is hoping the power of prayer will aid one contender in this year's race.
Crew David Walker on New South Wales boat XS Moment said nuns from St Scholastica's Glebe had taken a keen interest in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart.
His mother works at the school and the nuns have been tracking his progress in the event, "offering their prayers in support".
Sausage Sangers
Early today at 0735am Geoff Hill's Antipodes from Hong Kong was "having a nice sail" in contrast to the rough conditions last night.
"Last night we were in 35 knots, which wasn't on the forecast, so we dropped our gear down, because we were overpowered and it was tricky weather," said navigator Adam Tillyer.
"We have a head foil problem, so we've sewn hanks on the jibs, so we're a bit challenged, but in good shape though. It looks like from here (62nm east of Eddystone Point on the Tasmanian coast) into the finish, it will be all headsails, except for one small area where we'll use the Code Zero."
But in better news for the 18-strong crew, sausage sandwiches were on the breakfast menu.
"We're just cooking up some sausages sandwiches using the family smoker so everyone's happy," he said.
Cold beer
Clare Costanzo, navigator on David Griffith's Whisper, said their boat had avoided much of the damage sustained by others in the fleet.
"We've got off pretty scott free compared to others, except for losing the A5 (spinnaker) on the first night," she said.
"The race has been challenging - big waves across Bass Strait - not much sleep, but we keep pushing through those tough parts."
She said hearing news from the fleet "has been hard - and we feel for those families".
"But absolutely we're pleased we've pushed the boat when we can and dialled back when we had to, so everyone's happy.
"We'll probably get in this afternoon and we're looking forward to a cold beer."
Relay boat
Kingsley Piesse, navigator on Bruce Taylor's Chutzpah said they were progressing well but were relaying XS Moment's position.
"They're having problems with their comms, (so) we're tagging along with Happy Wanderer, which is just behind us," he said.
"The breeze is easing and going more north-west which we appreciate, we need to get the right angle for Tasman Island now."
He said the race was hard running early.
"That suits our boat, then we slowed down and couldn't set a spinnaker. The change was quite brisk, but we were ready for it and it came through on time. We got down to our no 5 jib and reached," Piesse said.
"Our routing has us in Hobart midday on 29th. We've been unable to download weather, so we've been using what was forecast."