Rolex Sydney Hobart underway in strong southerlies and nasty seas
by Steve Dettre / RSHYR media 26 Dec 00:03 PST
26 December 2025
Law Connect punches into a big one - 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Wendell Teodoro
Out on a fast and unsettled Tasman Sea, Christian Beck sounded both surprised and quietly satisfied as his 100-footer LawConnect clung to a narrow early advantage in the opening hours of the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Speaking from on board to the media centre at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia while the boat surged south at speed, Beck dismissed pre-race chatter that a $250,000 bet had been placed on LawConnect being first out of Sydney Heads.
“We thought that was crazy,” Beck said, acknowledging the story had circulated onshore, “but as it turned out, it wasn’t so crazy — though it was just a rumour.”
According to the race tracker, LawConnect remained marginally in front as the heavyweight favourites closed in behind. Beck admitted the position had taken him by surprise, particularly given the conditions off the start.
“Very surprised, because it was a downwind start and Master Lock Comanche is faster downwind. If it had been upwind, then we are better, ” he said.
“We saw that — Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI and Lucky were close behind us. It all comes down to crew. The crew work has been fantastic.”
In a moment that underlined how small margins can matter even on 100 footers, Beck revealed LawConnect’s spinnaker was set seconds ahead of its main rival.
“Our spinnaker was deployed about 20 seconds before Comanche’s,” he said.
Conditions at sea were already demanding, with boats powering through short, rough waves at double-digit speeds.
“Pretty fast, pretty rough — we’re doing about 13 knots,” Beck said, adding that Master Lock Comanche remained clearly in sight in “reasonably rough seas.”
In fact, just 6 nautical miles separated the top six yachts, with LawConnect leading Master Lock Comanche, Palm Beach XI, SHK Scallywag 100, the 88ft Lucky and Wild Thing 100.
The early intensity of the race was underscored by the first retirements of the fleet, as mechanical reliability began to shape the contest as much as raw speed.
Queensland Welbourn 50, Hutchies Yeah Baby, was forced to withdraw from the 80th edition of the race after suffering a headstay foil issue, compromising its ability to safely manage headsails.
Victorian M.A.T. 1245, White Noise, also retired due to rigging problems, while the South Australian Northshore 38, Inukshuk, exited the race with rudder issues — a critical failure in the heavy, fast-building seas. An earlier ‘Did Not Start’ was registered when Yendys suffered a broken backstay before the race even started.
Such early exits served as a reminder that the Sydney Hobart’s reputation is built, not just on glamour and rivalry at the front of the fleet, but on the relentless stress it places on boats and crews alike.
Amid the intensity, Beck also offered a lighter update on one of his high-profile crew members, Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe, who is competing in his first Hobart.
“He’s been good,” Beck said. “He’s been a great help.”
A total of 125 yachts remain in in the 628-nautical-mile race.
Sail-World NZ: Update at 1900hrs AEST (0800UTC) - MasterLock Comanche has taken the race lead as the yachts split tacks down the New South Wales coast, and moves into the first night at sea. However they are only 0.1nm ahead of Law Connect who are sailing at 14.3kts compared to MasterLock Comanche on 12.2kts.