Sydney to Hobart: Jim Cooney, wife Samantha Grant, son James make history

It was the one that got away for sailor Julia Cooney who missed the boat for a new piece of Sydney to Hobart yacht race history.

The Cooney family. James, Jim and Samantha. Pic: Andrea Francolini.

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If Julia Cooney could kick herself she would.

Cooney was forced to make an 11th hour decision to jump ship from her father’s supermaxi due to an Achilles injury and then had to watch it go on to win one of the biggest prizes in world sailing - a Sydney to Hobart line honours trophy.

Cooney was aboard the supermaxi when it won back in 2017 and with James, 21, became the first brother and sister to claim line honours in the race.

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Jim Cooney, Samantha Grant and James Cooney. Pic: Andrea Francolini.

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“It was a shame but it was a safety issue for her,” father Jim said.

Jim Cooney, wife Samantha Grant and son James headed a 19-strong team which won the 2019 race south from Christian Beck’s InfoTrack.

The Neutral Bay family sailed together last year with Cooney and James aboard for the 2017 win.

But now Samantha and James are believed to be the first mother and son to claim line hours in the Sydney to Hobart.

Jim Cooney with his daughter Julia before the 2018 race. Julia was a late withdrawal from the crew.

“It was a great race and so great to be with my family for it,’’ said James after Comanche lived up to her pre-race favouritism by taking the boats third line honours win and Cooney’s second victory.

It was a Sydney podium in the 75th anniversary race with the northern beaches yacht Wild Oats finishing third, just pipping the Hong Kong supermaxi Scallywag.

Jim Cooney bought Comanche so he could spent quality time with his family who share his love of the sport.

He, his wife and sons James and Doug - who was too young to race in the Hobart as he is under 18 - also raced in last year’s Transpac race.