‘Nuclear’ conditions in Bass Strait tested Sydney-Hobart crews, says overall winner

Supermaxi LawConnect was first to arrive in Hobart in darkness on Saturday morning, taking out back-to-back line honours victories.

The yacht skippered by millionaire Christian Beck, had a finish time of one day, 13 hours, 35 minutes and 13 seconds.

There have been 30 retirements in weather that hit 40 knots, including line honours contender Master Lock Comanche and 2023 overall winner Tasmanian yacht Alive.

Roy Quaden, 55, and 65-year-old Nick Smith died off the NSW south coast after being hit by on-board equipment on yachts Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline respectively.

Race organisers have pledged an investigation into the deaths – the first since 1998 when six sailors were killed, prompting mass safety reforms.

LawConnect tempered celebrations in respect to Quaden and Smith after crossing the finish line.

Experienced skipper of MWF Kayle, John Whitfield, said winds were 10-15 knots on Sunday morning, making for “champagne” conditions off Tasmania’s coast after taxing earlier racing.

Whitfield, in his 30th Sydney to Hobart, said his crew had to drain their engine twice after it became flooded.

“We’ve had plenty of water across the bow and plenty down below. We are thinking about those who lost their lives,” he said.