Love & War’s epic win means both Commodores in 2024 Sydney-Hobart will go home with a trophy
A new twist at Sydney-Hobart: RYCT Commodore Steve McCullum to receive a trophy instead of handing them out. Here’s why.
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Rather than handing our trophies at the Sydney-Hobart’s official prize-giving ceremony this year, Steve McCullum will be receiving one.
The Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, which hosts the finish of the great race, McCullum played a key role in the Division 5 win of revered NSW classic yacht, Love & War.
That makes two Commodore in the race, two wins.
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Commodore Sam Haynes, won the race on overall handicap sailing Celestial V70.
“Sam has done a great job, his boat was really well suited to what he’s done, and we are pretty proud of our division win as well,” McCullum said.
“For two Commodore, you couldn’t be happier.”
Owned by Simon Kurts, Love & War’s race was epic, with McCullum as its sailing master and a maestro on the wheel.
“The start is always a bit of a buzz,” he said.
“You’ve got to be careful you don’t prang into someone else’s boat and the Sydney-Hobart start is pretty intense.
“We started on the third line out of four, so there were a lot double-handers there as well and that keeps you pretty honest.
“It was a good clean start which is what we always hope for.”
There were no surprises for McCullum in his 10 race on Love & War and 28th Sydney-Hobart.
“It was pretty much a race as expected _ the weather models all panned out as they were scheduled, and for is worked out well because we had all the right sails at the right times,” he said.
“It was hard in the first 24 hours, no doubting that.
“But this boat is beautifully-prepared by the Kurts family, and our race unfolded as we had hoped.”
Love & War is as tough as they come.
“It’s one of those classic boats that will keep performing well,” McCullum said.
“It has got a great handicap and it performs well in certain conditions, it’s just a magnificent boat.”
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