LawConnect has led the Sydney to Hobart fleet out of the Sydney Heads as the 80th running of the bluewater classic began on Boxing Day.
LawConnect’s pursuit of a third straight line honours title started on song, with the crew claiming an early lead over rival Master Lock Comanche after the cannon was fired.
Lucky and Palm Beach XI were in hot pursuit of the defending champions, who have legendary swimmer Ian Thorpe on board this year, and Master Lock Comanche as the yachts headed out of Sydney harbour.
It was the most overcast start to the race in recent years, with boats flying spinnakers from the starting gun to make the best of the windy conditions.
LawConnect cruised out of the heads at approximately 1.10pm AEDT.
The 129-strong fleet paid tribute to the victims of this month’s terror attack by scattering rose petals off the coast of Bondi Beach as they passed early in the race.
At the final briefing, extra rose petals were made available, with the whole fleet expected to participate.
Earlier, the skipper of the Sydney to Hobart’s reigning overall winner warned the fleet to brace for retirements and injuries on the first night of racing.
Friday’s final weather briefing confirmed the fleet would face a strong southerly going down the New South Wales coast that will persist overnight on Boxing Day.
Crews can expect a cold first night with swell between three and four metres, with upwind conditions also increasing the chance of damage to boats.
Conditions to are unlikely to be as treacherous as last year, when two sailors were killed in storms, but the fleet is nevertheless on guard.
Competitors make their way out of Sydney Heads into open seas. Photograph: Mark Evans/Getty Images
“I think there will be retirements, it’s tough on boats in the early part of this race,” said Celestial V70 skipper, Sam Haynes, who is also Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
“The crash bang, the waves, the gear itself is going to be under stress so it is a hard race in that sense.
“Also it’s hard on crews: sea sickness and potentially some injuries. They can put boats out. I think there will be some retirements in these conditions.”
Conditions are expected to become lighter on Sunday as the fleet’s 100ft supermaxis approach the finish line at Constitution Dock.
LawConnect is heavier than Comanche, enjoys rough conditions and boasts an impressive crew, all of which should play into her hand in the fight for line honours.
But on Friday morning, owner Christian Beck again downplayed his boat’s chances of a third consecutive triumph.
“It’s a bit like [F1 driver] Max Verstappen likes it when it’s raining, we like it when it’s very rough,” he said.
“This forecast is a little bit rough but it’s probably not rough enough to make it that likely that we’ll win, unfortunately.”
