The crew of Master Lock Comanche are basking in the glory of their Sydney to Hobart line honours victory, describing their finish up the River Derwent as the best moment in decades of racing.
“In 33 races it was the best run up to Derwent,” co-skipper Matt Allen said.
“The sailing conditions were just superb and the welcome in Hobart was incredible.”
The 100-footer’s victory on Sunday evening was particularly sweet after last year’s devastating retirement due to mainsail damage.
“Last year was very frustrating but we wanted to come back,” Allen said.
He and co-skipper James Mayo made a pact to return only if both were fully committed.
“We were only going to do it if both of us wanted to come back and we decided to do it and do it at 100 per cent,” Allen said.
Mayo described the final approach to the finish line as unforgettable.
“We were just sitting on about 22 knots with the spinnaker up, almost laying the finish line – a couple of jibes and in, it was the best ride ever,” he said.
The crew stayed calm despite watching their lead evaporate when the wind died on day two.
“Everyone stayed really calm, we stayed the game plan, the game plan worked so it was fantastic,” Mayo said.
The victory was made more special by the quality of competition.
“Probably the best fleet of super maxis assembled anywhere at any time in the world, right here, right now, in this race,” Mayo said.
Thousands of fans welcomed them at Constitution Dock.
“[It was] the best welcome I’ve ever seen … it was just fantastic” Allen said.
“Tasmania embraced us, it was fantastic.”
The crew credited their success to exceptional teamwork.
“If you’re going to achieve great sporting achievements, you can’t do it without a fantastic team and that’s what we have,” Allen said.
