Sydney to Hobart 2024 Day 1 as it happened: Wild start to an unpredictable race

Herald photographers have risked life and limb, tackling the crowds around the harbour and holding down their breakfasts on speeding media boats. Take a look at some of the incredible pictures they’ve taken from the start of today’s race.

Currently coming in second after an unfortunate headsail mishap, LawConnect is livestreaming its race online. You can watch the action here before it gets too dark to see what’s going on!

The media boat has safely docked in Rushcutters Bay to a collective sigh of relief.

The boat was divided neatly into two sections: the seasoned members of the sailing press, and those like myself who came along for the ride. After turning green coming out of the Sydney Heads, I have only just been restored to my natural, pallid white, complexion after returning to the calmer waters of the Harbour.

It all looked great for LawConnect, as they took an early lead, but just as we turned past the Heads, the problems with unfurling the sails began, making their task of defending their line honours title against Comanche all the more daunting.

In this year’s race, there are two big boats that have been talking a big game, and after the start we just saw, they are likely to be on each others heels all the way to Hobart. Master Lock Comanche and LawConnect finished first and second in 2023, 2022 and 2019. Their skippers also have a lot to lose.

Christian Beck and James Mayo, the skippers entering a “dogfight” for the 2024 Sydney to Hobart line honours trophy.Credit: Aresna Villanueva

For Comanche, last year’s was their race to win, but after a dramatic overtake by LawConnect just metres from the Derwent River finish line, they were relegated. LawConnect is fighting to retain its title and prove its colourful owner’s barbs at his opponents are fair game.

“Our boat has got people who have won the Hobart multiple times ... there are a handful of world champions on the boat, Olympians,” said Comanche co-skipper, James Mayo, “we’ve got crew that have raced around the world several times and won. They’ve been involved in America’s Cups. That pressure ... we’re used to that every time we go racing.”

Read what the two skippers have to say about each other, and how they think this year’s race is going to turn out, here.

We’re an hour into the race, and sitting just behind the maxi yacht leaders are some impressive international competitors. Leading the international pack is New Zealand’s Caro, helmed by Adrian Stead, followed by Centennial 7 (Philippines) and Antipodes (Hong Kong).

Skipper Ron Epstein next to his boat Bacchanal, before the Sydney to Hobart.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

A little further back is the American boat Bacchanal, which is the only brand-new yacht in this year’s race.

“I’m sailing for the joy of it, and the fact that we have a real shot is super-exciting,” said owner Ronald Epstein.

“Anyone who joins a race wants to win, and we have a crew that’s incredibly experienced and capable. But let’s be serious: I have a boat that – by the time the race starts – will have been in the water for two months. We have a lot to learn about the boat.”

Read all about him and his brand-new boat here.

What a start to the race! It looked all cool, calm and collected for our three competitive 100-foot maxi yachts until two of them were thrown into chaos. Here’s a quick recap of the last 30 minutes:

• Wild Thing 100 almost capsized after a near collision with Celestial V70 (formerly Willow) in the harbour.
• LawConnect blew past the competition only to have a disastrous unfurling of its sail that took almost 10 minutes to resolve and cost them their first-place position by a (metaphorical) mile.
• URM Group, one of the most competitive 22-metre yachts, crewed by the five Johnston brothers, had to take a double penalty turn after a protest that seems to have come from a near collision.
• Master Lock Comanche has stormed into the lead by a comfortable margin.

People watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race from South Head in Sydney Harbour.Credit: Janie Barrett

Things should likely calm down for a while before the weather changes, but at this rate, I don’t want to make any promises.

Master Lock Comanche has pulled ahead, as LawConnect suffered a dramatic failure in the deployment of its sail. Things looked great for Christian Beck in the harbour, but it seems they’ve fallen behind in a big way.

LawConnect and Master Lock Comanche in lock step on the Sydney to Hobart. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

“The difference in conditions as we as go out into the Heads is incredible,” says our reporter Jonathan Drennan in the media yacht.

“The sea is wild as the media boat forces everyone to take their seats to deal with the swell.

“LawConnect was first through the Heads, while a thought needs to be spared for the small 30-footers who will deal with far worse tonight.”

Information is slow to come in, but a protest appears to have been lodged against URM group, who have taken two penalty turns, costing them a few minutes in the race.

It’s not a great start, but taking these turns could save them a lot more trouble if the protest adjudication finds them at fault.

LawConnect has taken an early lead here and is pulling away from Comanche as she rounds the first turning mark with a comfortable lead over her biggest competition.

Meanwhile, on the media boat, inexperienced sailors are trying not to get seasick as we bounce along the harbour at pace. The faster boats are enjoying picturesque conditions.

Wild Thing 100, one of the four largest yachts in the fleet, has almost capsized after tacking late in a near collision with Celestial V70 (formerly Willow).

Pretty early in the race to almost lose one of the strongest competitors!