Beers and gratitude flow as Salt Lines the final Sydney to Hobart boat across finishing line

The skipper of the last boat across the line in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart yacht race has given thanks for a “warm Tassie welcome” on Wednesday after six gruelling nights at sea.

Crew of Salt Lines. Arrival of Salt Lines the last boat to finish the 2024 Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Whether he was referring to the throng of well-wishers lining the dock, or the slabs of Cascade Draught delivered immediately after berthing, Salt Lines skipper Murray Stewart gave thanks for a “warm Tassie welcome” on New Year’s morning following a gruelling Sydney to Hobart.

The final boat across the line in the 2024 race, Salt Lines had been on track to reach Hobart by New Year’s Eve, until the ketch encountered windless conditions near Cape Raoul on the Tuesday afternoon.

First mate Jess Hix, skipper Murray Stewart, and navigator Rick Stern celebrates as Salt Lines becomes the final boat to finish the 2024 Sydney to Hobart on Wednesday morning. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

But after the boat was forced to retire from the 2023 edition with sail damage, an emotional Mr Stewart was just grateful to get the job after six nights at sea.

“Going across Bass Strait and down the Tasmanian coast, we were just hammering, and it was beautiful conditions for almost two days at eight or nine knots,” Mr Stewart said.

“And we could see our estimated time of arrival going down to four o’clock in the afternoon on the 31st.

“But you are not here until you are here.

“When we were becalmed and on track to miss the fireworks, someone asked ‘can’t we just retire and motor in to make the fun’.

“But we had to finish it off, and it’s great to be here.”

Salt Lines arrives in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Describing the 2024 race as “an epic adventure”, Mr Stewart paid tribute to the grit and determination of the entire Salt Lines crew, which included First Mate Jess Hix.

After being on board last year’s ill-fated mission, Ms Hix was overjoyed to have completed her second career Sydney to Hobart.

“While I had done quite a bit of sailing on small boats, I never really thought I’d be able to do this race,” Ms Hix said.

“But there was just the excitement of trying something new and challenging myself.

“First Mate is like being second in command.

“Sailing is such a good sport where women can level the playing field.”

Originally published as Beers and gratitude flow as Salt Lines the final Sydney to Hobart boat across finishing line