Captain’s log: Andoo Comanche skipper’s delight after high drama

Andoo Comanche skipper John Winning Jr has praised his victorious crew after it took line honours at the 77th Sydney-Hobart.

Andoo Comanche skipper John Winning Jr and his crew celebrate their Sydney to Hobart line honours victory. Picture: Chris Kidd

Andoo Comanche skipper John Winning Jr has praised his victorious crew after the yacht took line honours in the 77th Sydney to Hobart, arriving at Constitution Dock less than 30 minutes before rival LawConnect, despite having struck a floating log on the way.

The skipper of the 100-foot yacht – which crossed the River Derwent finish line shortly before 1am on Wednesday with a time of one day, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds – said the yacht had overcome some early setbacks and several “hairy moments” to secure the win.

Andoo Comanche battled a difficult start on Boxing Day, after she took an early penalty in Sydney Harbour.

She then hit a 3m-long floating log which chipped her rudder and caused a leak that had to be plugged on the fly.

But Winning said his crew had skilfully navigated through some “hairy” moments in the early ­stages of the race, and recovered to take an early lead in the opening 12 hours.

“It’s pretty emotional. These are the types of things that you look back on and say you’re glad you got those opportunities,” he said in Hobart.

“(Winning) didn’t feel real until the very last minute. It means a hell of a lot.

“We’ve got the boat. We will be coming back for sure. We’re not trying to come second. We’re here to win every race that we do,’’ he added.

“This boat doesn’t deserve to come second; certainly not when it’s in its prime. Until the foiling boats outdate this boat, she should always be going out there trying to win line honours.’’

Andoo Comanche nearing the finish line. Picture: Chris Kidd

LawConnect, which reached Constitution Dock approximately 27 minutes later, staged a final challenge down the notoriously unpredictable River Derwent; she was followed by last year’s line honours winner, Black Jack, with nine-time winner Hamilton Island Wild Oats in fourth place.

LawConnect crew member Gavin Smith told reporters on Wednesday the team was exhausted but satisfied with the result.

“We were always hoping we would be able to catch them in the end, it was just a case that we didn’t get there this year, but hopefully next year,” he said.

Andoo Comanche and LawConnect raised protest flags early in the race, but arrived in Hobart with flags down.

By Wednesday afternoon, ­Celestial led in the handicap race for the Tattersall Cup, with Gweilo Caro and US-owned boat Warrior Won close behind.

The fleet was reduced to 106 boats on Tuesday following the retirement of the TP52 Koa after she lost her rudder.

On Wednesday, race officials reported eight retirements: Avalanche, Yeah Baby, Koa, Navy One, Sail Exchange, Mondo, Huntress and White Noise.