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Fairytale finish for Currawong in Sydney to Hobart

The last boat to cross the finish line for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race was met with a hero’s welcome as it sailed across the River Derwent on New Year’s Eve. SEE THE VIDEO>>>

The last boat to cross the finish line for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race was met with a hero’s welcome as it sailed across the River Derwent on New Year’s Eve.

Sailors Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham steered the Currawong – the second smallest boat in the fleet – into the dock at 11.42pm on Saturday, mere moments before the clock ticked over to New Year’s Day.

The fairytale finish was made all the more magical by Hobart’s spectacular fireworks and cheering crowds – the pair watched in awe as the display lit up the sky, reeling from their achievements.

Currawong crew Bridget Canham (LHS) and Kathy Veel reflect on the race. Picture: Supplied
Currawong crew Bridget Canham (LHS) and Kathy Veel reflect on the race. Picture: Supplied

Currawong owner and co-skipper Kathy Veel described the moment as “unbelievable” and “overwhelming”.

“When you have people shouting ‘Curr-a-wong’ … it was unbelievable, incredible,” the 70-year-old said.

“I got messages from people out of the past, it’s incredible. I’m really proud of what we’ve done.”

While the duo endured a few sailing difficult days, the all-female team refused to retire from the race.

The final yacht in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race Currawong heads back to the docks as the fireworks light up the Hobart sky after finishing the race just before midnight on New Year's Eve. Picture: Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
The final yacht in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race Currawong heads back to the docks as the fireworks light up the Hobart sky after finishing the race just before midnight on New Year's Eve. Picture: Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Canham added they were determined to cross the finish line before New Year’s Day.

“Our biggest challenge was getting the boat here before New Year’s Day. I was saying to Kathy, ‘You need to do 7 knots, otherwise it’s not enough’. We’ve been working our butts off to get here and it’s paid off,” the 62-year-old said.

“This welcome was just unbelievable and to get here before the fireworks was just the best.”

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/fairtytale-finish-for-currawong-in-sydney-to-hobart/news-story/8de9660b03a4f399b21f82b41513bc4e