Who won the Sydney to Hobart? LawConnect edges out Andoo Comanche to claim line honours in 2023 yacht race

Joshua Mayne

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Mark Molyneux

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Who won the Sydney to Hobart? LawConnect edges out Andoo Comanche to claim line honours in 2023 yacht race image

LawConnect has claimed line honours in the 78th edition of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race following a stunning finish to the annual spectacle.  

With approximately two nautical miles to the finish line, the 100-foot supermaxi overtook race favourite Andoo Comanche to secure its first victory in the event. 

The winning margin was just 51 seconds as LawConnect crossed the finish line near Castray Esplanade after a stunning late battle on the River Derwent.

It also marks owner Christian Beck's maiden race success following three consecutive years of finishing as the runner-up.

Alive, URM and Moneypenny are still fighting for third place and the overall handicap crown.  

The remainder of the fleet is unlikely to arrive in Hobart until Friday or Saturday.

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Law Connect and Andoo Comanche established themselves at the front of the pack on Boxing Day with two protest flags thrown during an early conflict. 

Ahead of the race, officials warned participants about the challenging weather conditions that awaited them. 

And this came to eventuate with several incidents occurring out on the water which led to the retirement of multiple competitors. 

The 1163km race featured a starting fleet of 103 – all vying to win one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting events.

However, these were quickly whittled down amid horrible conditions with the likes of SHK Scallywag and Georgia Express being eliminated from the race. 

Rum Rebellion skipper Shane Connelly was also involved in a frightening incident during the first stretch of the race when he was sent overboard after the yacht battled with strong winds. 

Who retired from the Sydney to Hobart?

11 yachts have retired from the race thus far:

  • Arcadia
  • Currawong
  • Maritimo 52
  • Pacman
  • Sticky
  • Rum Rebellion
  • Georgia Express
  • SHK Scallywag
  • Luna Blue
  • Millennium Falcon
  • Tumbleweed

What is the Sydney to Hobart course record?

LDV Comanche created history in 2017 when it crossed the finishing line in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds to set a new course record for the Sydney to Hobart race. 

Previous winners of Sydney to Hobart – Line honours

Year Winner
2022 Andoo Comanche (NSW)
2021 Black Jack (Monaco)
2019 Comanche (NSW)
2018 Wild Oats (NSW)
2017 LDV Comanche (NSW)
2016 Perpetual LOYAL (NSW)
2015 Comanche (NSW)
2014 Wild Oats XI (NSW)
2013 Wild Oats XI (NSW)

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again. 

 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.