Celestial Crew Captures Provisional Overall Victory In Thrilling 2024 Sydney To Hobart
Celestial, skippered by Sam Haynes with ORCV Commodore Matt Allen as tactician, stormed to what looked an unlikely line honours victory in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race overnight in a thrilling climax to the 77th edition of the race.
Celestial’s Tactic
Celestial’s win on handicap was founded on one audacious tactical move in the final hours of the race. With the fleet spread out across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Celestial headed in the opposite direction to the majority of the fleet. Those who did were either rewarded by the stronger breeze that was flowing into the river or, like Celestial, were lucky enough to hook into a series of wind shifts that enabled them to sail much faster.
Allen had predicted a wind shift a couple of hours before it happened and this put them in phase with the tide, so they didn’t lose any ground by heading back up the river. Then, when the shift came, they sailed through the fleet, leapfrogging Black Jack, LawConnect and then Moneypenny. Nine knots became 11 and then 13, and they were into the high teens as they left Bruny Island behind.
Once Celestial rounded Tasman Island, their lead became unassailable. The lead was extended to 40 minutes by the time the yacht crossed the Hobart finish line at 0953hrs on Wednesday.
Other Standout Competitors
In a race of attrition, 24 yachts have failed to finish the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, with the boats succumbing to a variety of issues, including gear failure, collisions with whales, and injuries. Celestials’ rival LawConnect, the supermaxi skippered by George Schick that won line honours in the 2023 race, was one of the retirements, succumbing to hull damage just after midnight on Tuesday.
Among the smaller yachts, the two standouts were Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban and Marcus Blackmore’s This Way Up, which had been at the front of the fleet throughout the race. However, due to time compensations, Ichi Ban was expected to finish in ninth place overall, and This Way Up in 24th.
A Thrilling Climax
Celestial’s victory was the most stunning climax to a Sydney to Hobart since Wild Oats XI was pipped on handicap by Ichi Ban in 2015. It was also the third win for Allen, who, along with Roger Hickman, is now the most successful yachtsman in the race’s history.
The 77th edition of the race will be remembered for its drama and excitement, and for the tactical nous of the Celestial crew, who sailed their yacht to victory in one of the most thrilling Sydney to Hobart races in recent memory.
Perspectives:
Winners’ Perspective:
“It’s an amazing feeling to win the Sydney to Hobart. It’s a race that I’ve always wanted to win, and to do it with this crew is just incredible. We had a great race, and we were able to make some key tactical decisions that helped us to victory.”
– Sam Haynes, Skipper of Celestial
Loser’s Perspective:
“We’re disappointed not to have won the Sydney to Hobart, but we’re proud of the race that we sailed. We had a great boat and a great crew, and we gave it our all. We’ll be back next year to try and win it again.”
– George Schick, Skipper of LawConnect
Expert’s Perspective:
“The Sydney to Hobart is one of the most challenging races in the world, and it’s a testament to the skill of the Celestial crew that they were able to win it. They made some great tactical decisions, and they were able to execute them perfectly. They’re a deserving winner.”
– Iain Murray, Yachting Commentator
Implications:
The victory of Celestial in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has several implications:
Conclusion:
The 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was a thrilling and exciting event that will be remembered for years to come. Celestial’s victory was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and tactical nous. They are a deserving winner, and their victory is sure to inspire future sailors to dream big.
