TRANSCRIPT
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race began with a cannon shot on Boxing Day, amid bright sunshine, wind, and pelting rain.
For the past three years, the supermaxi LawConnect has come agonisingly close to Sydney to Hobart glory, finishing as runner-up each time.
And as they raced to Hobart's Constitution Dock, navigator Chris Lewis posted an update to the boat's Facebook page that wild weather might once again dash their chances for line honours.
LEWIS: "Yeah, we've had a little bit of everything. In fact, the wildest was literally 180-degree windshifts. Been pretty wild."
REPORTER: "And you're doing well against Comanche, still there."
LEWIS: "Yeah, real well! We're playing cat-and-mouse all night long!”
But in a thrilling conclusion to the race, LawConnect came from behind to cross the finishing line first, the final seconds called by Hype TV.
“Extraordinary scenes here on the Derwent. They've done it. LawConnect, over the finishing line just seconds ahead of Andoo Comanche. There it is!”
LawConnect's victory - by 51 seconds - is the second-closest finish in Sydney to Hobart history, after Condor of Bermuda beat Apollo by a mere seven seconds in 1982.
The supermaxi is owned and skippered by Christian Beck.
His son Indy has told Channel Seven's Sunrise he couldn't believe his dad had done it.
“To be honest, when Comanche got that puff I thought that's the moment, race done, pack it up. I thought it was done for. I just don't believe it, to be honest. That's the greatest comeback in sailing I reckon. It was absolutely amazing.”
Christian Beck is still in shock too.
“I can't believe that result. Honestly, it's a dream come true. I never thought it was possible, actually... The lead changed several times and - because they took the lead pretty close to the line and we thought there was no way we could get it back but - a wind gust came around, as it happened. So it was a complete surprise, to be honest... It was very nerve wracking.”
But it wasn't all smooth sailing.
LawConnect came into Hobart under a red protest flag, after they slowed for 30 minutes during the race for Comanche who they believed was in distress.
Sailing Master Tony Mutter says they're not saying their rival did anything wrong.
“We notified them (the race committee) that we were talking about redress for an incident during the race that we thought affected our performance. So we're still in discussions as a team as to what we're going to do with that... Yeah, just to make sure, be perfectly clear, there was no intent on their part to create that problem. Absolutely not. So we're not suggesting that at all.”
Eleven of the race's starting 103-strong fleet were unable to finish the race, with some reporting damage and seasickness in challenging conditions which included erratic wind changes and a thunderstorm on the first night.
Bridget Canham is the skipper of Currawong, which pulled out because of electrical issues.
“Gutted for really all the people who seemed to have a lot of hope for us... Yeah, look. Disappointed personally for myself. I really wanted to get there and be part of the whole event. It's been a real buzz you know all up in the leadup and the start.”
But the Currawong crew says they have no regrets.
“It's been really, really touching to be part of a good story and to touch so many people's lives. We've been overwhelmed this year by the well wishes of strangers and friends... It's been incredible. It's something I never ever suspected would be part of my life.”
Meanwhile the skipper of LawConnect has credited the crew for their long anticipated line honours result.
“I know it looks good on TV but you go up close on that boat, she's rough as anything. And Comanche's a beautiful boat that's better in every way. It's four tonnes lighter etc. So the fact that they can make that boat beat Comanche is amazing.”
