Young Tasmanian sailor Charlie Wyatt helps steer LawConnect to narrow Sydney to Hobart victory

Arriving home gets no sweeter than this for young Tasmanian Charlie Wyatt, who was part of the Sydney to Hobart line honours-winning crew of LawConnect. How he held his nerve.

LawConnect Hobart born crew member Charlie Wyatt after the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race. Picture: Chris Kidd

There’s no better feeling for a young sailor than arriving into your home port on the winner of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race and for Tasmanian Charlie Wyatt claiming line honours by a boat length left him in total disbelief.

The 25-year-old professional sailor based in Newcastle played a key role in LawConnect’s boil over win against defending champion Comanche in the 78th Sydney-Hobart on Thursday.

The 100-foot supermaxis had an agonisingly slow tacking duel to the finish line on the Derwent.

LawConnect Hobart born crew member Charlie Wyatt after the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race. Picture: Chris Kidd

LawConnect had its bowsprit in front when it counted, taking its first win in its fourth attempt for owner Christian Beck, of Sydney.

“It’s always nice coming back home and it was such a good race and so close at the end,” Wyatt said.

“To finish in Hobart is awesome, it’s such a nice city, and to have the family here is always a bonus.”

The nerves were strained as LawConnect tried to find a way past the race favourite.

“It was a bit of a surprise how fast we were catching them,” Wyatt said.

“It all just happened naturally, we stayed in the best wind and it ended up going our way.

“Once we got in front of them we took their wind and drifted over the line.”

The feeling onboard was euphoric.

“When we won, it was an amazing feeling among everyone onboard,” Wyatt said.

“It was a big lead-up to the race with all of the training and preparation.

“It makes it all worthwhile in the end when you get the win and the way we did it especially.”

LawConnect crew after winning the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race. Picture: Chris Kidd

It was Wyatt’s third race on LawConnect, after sailing in to Hobart as runner-up twice before.

“It could have gone either way and luckily the last phase of the race went our way and that’s racing I guess,” he said.

Wyatt hopes to be onboard next year when LawConnect returns to defend its title.