2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Champagne conditions finally greet boats
by Di Pearson / RSHYR Media 28 Dec 2024 15:05 PST
28 December 2024
Start of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © ROLEX | Carlo Borlenghi
Perfect sailing conditions have greeted John Whitfield and his crew of MWF (Making Waves Foundation) Kayle early Sunday, as they race down the Tasmanian coast in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
"We've got champagne conditions now," Whitfield said.
"It's the first time I've enjoyed the race - and the crew are in good spirits."
He said his boat was 41 nautical miles north-east of Cape Sonnerat (almost abeam of Bicheno) in a 10-15 knot south-westerly, reaching towards Tasman Lighthouse.
"It's been taxing conditions," he said.
"We've had the full gamut. We've also had engine problems with water getting in the sump - we've had to drain the engine twice. We've had plenty of water across the bow and plenty down below."
He said a couple of his crew were "battered and bruised".
A handful of the crew are sailors with disabilities.
"We are thinking about those who lost their lives," Whitfield said.
"We're definitely looking forward to reaching Hobart," said the tired sounding skipper, who is doing his 30th Hobart.
In other news, Geoff Hill's Antipodes from Hong Kong was the latest yacht to finish the race and the second international entry to finish, following Caro from New Zealand, which crossed the finish line yesterday.
The next yacht due across the Castray Esplanade finish line is Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, skippered by Annika Thomson, who owns the TP52 with husband, Ian. The Queensland yacht was due to cross the line as we went to press.
Behind Ocean Crusaders, the next yacht due is Active Again, owned and skippered by Stephanie Kerin, also from Queensland. The Humphreys 54 design was due to finish around midday, from which time yachts will continue to arrive throughout the day.