Sydney to Hobart yacht race: Andoo Comanche skipper John Winning Jnr’s next big goal in sailing

He’s about to finish his second Sydney to Hobart on the supermaxi Andoo Comanche but already John “Herman’’ Winning is thinking about his next big adventure in sailing.

Andoo Comanche in full flight in the Sydney to Hobart. N

He’s about to finish his second Sydney to Hobart on the supermaxi Andoo Comanche but already John “Herman’’ Winning is thinking about his next big adventure in sailing.

Winning likes to come, conquered and move on.

And with his lease on Andoo Comanche now running out, he’s already looking at his next on-water challenge and it’s a big one.

The Sydney businessman, last night locked in an intense battle with Christian Beck’s LawConnect for line honours in the Sydney to Hobart, wasn’t even born when the John Bertrand skippered and Ben Lexcen designed Australia II won the America’s Cup back in 1983, triggering scenes of national pride and countrywide celebrations.

But he’s heard the stories, met the men who orchestrated it and watched all the behind-the-scenes documentaries produced.

Winning has recently been lending a hand and expertise to the Australian women’s and youth Challenges ahead of next year’s new racing events in Barcelona before the Cup proper.

Andoo Comanche on her way to the fish line in Hobart.

But he now wants to be involved in his own chase for The Auld Mug and has already started talks with the movers and shaker of the business and sailing world as he puts into play a plan to be at the 2028 America’s Cup with an Australian challenge team.

“I want to do an America’s Cup campaign for the Australian people and selfishly for myself,” Winning said just before the start of the Sydney to Hobart.

“If the population can get behind that I can turn my attention to that.

“I’ve heard stories about cars stopping on the Harbour bridge (when Australia II won).

“I wasn’t born until 94 and I want to be part of my generation having that feeling of winning one of the greatest trophies is in world sport, one of the greatest trophies in world sailing.’’

John Winning Jnr and father John Winning Snr after their 2022 win. Picture: Chris Kidd

It’s no secret Winning has ambitions in this respect but how much ground work he’s already done may surprise.

In his camp for the Sydney to Hobart this year is a man who knows the event inside out in Iain Murray, now its regatta director and heavily involved over the years in various position, including as a campaigning skipper.

Winning wants his plan now out in the public arena to spark interest and attention.

The LawConnect crew at sea in the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: ROLEX/Andrea Francolini

“It’s held once every four years, we need to be thinking about this now,” Winning said.

“I do a call out to all people of influence to give me a call. Let’s make this happen.

“I’ve spoken to a few rich listers because these things don’t come cheap.

“There are people who are highly patriotic with money out there.

“We have the skill set in Australia. I’m sick of seeing Australians sailing for other countries and want this country back in it.”

Two-time America’s Cup winning skipper Jame Spithill won his trophies for the US and is now with the Italian Challenge.

Tom Slingsby, who raced beside Spithill, is now with American Magic while Olympian Glenn Ashby raced with the winning New Zealand crew at the last cup.

Slingsby made an attempt to get an Australian campaign up and running some years ago unsuccessfully.

Last night Andoo Comanche and LawConnect was involved in a two-boat race to the finish of the Sydney to Hobart after their arch rival, Scallywag, was knocked out of the race by damage.

The pair have been up close and personal for almost the entire race with Andoo Comanche the defending line honours winner.

The pair are expected to arrive in Hobart some time early Thursday morning.