Perennial bridesmaid LawConnect has claimed Sydney to Hobart line honours, coming from behind to pip fellow supermaxi Andoo Comanche in a thrilling finale.
LawConnect, runner-up in the past three events, edged across the River Derwent finish line 51 seconds ahead of her rival not long after 8 a.m. (AEDT) on Thursday.
The pair, who were neck-and-neck the whole race, played cat-and-mouse in light winds as they neared the finish.
Both performed several jibe manoeuvres as they attempted to secure the lead.
It is the second-closest finish in Sydney to Hobart history after Condor of Bermuda beat Apollo by a mere seven seconds in 1982.
The final finish time of LawConnect, skippered and owned by Christian Beck, was one day, 19 hours, three minutes and 58 seconds.
“I can’t believe that result. Honestly, it is a dream come true,” Mr. Beck said.
“They took the lead pretty close to the line and we thought there was no way we could get it back.
“A wind gust came around. It was a complete surprise.
“There were guys who couldn’t watch. It was very nerve wracking.”
Comanche had taken a narrow lead into the River Derwent after holding the advantage down Tasmania’s east coast on Wednesday night.
LawConnect was first out of the Heads in Sydney on Boxing Day after a dramatic start to the 628-nautical mile bluewater classic and the retirement of fellow supermaxi SHK Scallywag.
Scallywag was forced to retire roughly six hours into the race after breaking her bow sprit.
Eleven of the race’s starting 103-strong fleet have pulled the pin, with some reporting damage and seasickness in challenging conditions which included a thunderstorm on the first night.
LawConnect navigator Chris Lewis described the stormy seas as “wild” with 180-degree wind shifts.
Moneypenny, URM Group and Alive are in a bunch about 80 nautical miles behind the two duelling leaders, with the third remaining supermaxi Wild Thing 100 further back in sixth.
