2024 RSHYR: Antipodes overcomes spinnaker problems to place eighth over the line
by Greta Quealy/RSHYR media 28 Dec 2024 15:15 PST
26 December 2024
Antipodes' crew sitting on the rail, on their final approach to the finish - 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © CYCA | Salty Dingo
It was all smiles on board Geoff Hill's Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes, as the crew dug into some much deserved warm Tasmanian scallop pies, after sailing into Hobart early today.
Following 2 days 17 hours and 33 minutes of racing, the striking baby blue hull crossed the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race finish line at 06:33 hrs.
The yacht, representing Hong Kong, finished the race eighth on Line Honours, her overall place undecided with so many yachts still at sea in the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's race, the 21st Sydney Hobart for Hill.
Hill and his daughter Natasha Parker, who has just competed in her third Hobart, were beyond chuffed with the result, considering they lost around six hours after having to seek shelter in the "flat waters" of Eden early in the race. Why? "Because the spinnaker wrapped itself around the forestay," Hill Sr said.
"It's a shame, but having said that, we fixed it pretty well, so we're pretty happy with the result," he said.
This marks the Santa Cruz 72's third Sydney Hobart and its best result on Line Honours. In 2022 it placed 22nd and then 13th in 2023.
Hill said that despite the challenging conditions, the crew ate well. "They were treated to pre-made meals of chicken pasta and sweet and sour pork."
He credits their sold performance to his crew's hard work in testing conditions.
The yacht, built in 1997, went through gusts of up to 38 knots on the first night of the 628 nautical mile race. It reached boats speeds of up to 30 knots as it flew down the east coast of Australia.
"For an old boat, that's pretty good," a pleased Hill said.
"Not the record [for us], but close to it. It was just our crew work, which was very good. We reefed the boat early. We didn't have really any difficulty with the boat."