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Sydney Hobart – New leader as SHK Scallywag comes to the fore

by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor 27 Dec 2025 13:31 PST
SHK Scallywag heads south © Bow Caddy Media

Moving from third to first is SHK Scallywag as it plays out abeam St Marys. This Editorial also includes a video interview with the great Chris Nicholson aboard LawConnect - he is brilliant and details their journey thus far.

SHK Scallywag leapfrogs from third to first on the morning of December 28, 2025 - photo © CYCA
SHK Scallywag leapfrogs from third to first on the morning of December 28, 2025 - photo © CYCA

Plenty of crafty sailors on board... Skipper David Witt

David Witt, skipper Scallywag - Skippers' Media Briefing - December 2025 - photo © Alex Dare/CYCA
David Witt, skipper Scallywag - Skippers' Media Briefing - December 2025 - photo © Alex Dare/CYCA

And also North Sails Australia Supremo as Tactician, Mark Bradford

Peter Harburg, Mark Bradford and the Black Jack crew celebrate winning line honours and smashing their race record in the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race - photo © Andra Bite
Peter Harburg, Mark Bradford and the Black Jack crew celebrate winning line honours and smashing their race record in the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race - photo © Andra Bite

As our great local friend, Tony Lathouras says, "It could be an interesting jaunt up the Derwent if they remain this close when they hit Tasman Island!"

Indeed, Sir. Indeed.

Observations from St Helens on the morning of December 28, 2025 - photo © BoM
Observations from St Helens on the morning of December 28, 2025 - photo © BoM

P.S

Look out for Lucky!!! (Ominous...)

Bryon Ehrhart's Lucky was very fast off the start and was battling for 3rd position with SHK Scallywag as the front runners entered Bass Strait - photo © Bow Caddy Media
Bryon Ehrhart's Lucky was very fast off the start and was battling for 3rd position with SHK Scallywag as the front runners entered Bass Strait - photo © Bow Caddy Media

Interview with the great Chris Nicholson aboard LawConnect - he is brilliant and details their journey thus far.

Earlier 2025 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Editorials:

War of attrition as the plateau arrives

Surprised it took this long

I should be so...

Death Valley or Plateau of Pain

Ocean Graders' Delight in the Sydney Hobart Race

New and improved Swiss Army Knife (now with steroids)

Like watching a big front build

Who let the dogs out?

And so, it begins…

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