Nine Tasmanian yachts are braving the challenging conditions in this year’s Sydney to Hobart yacht race, with most now rounding Flinders Island as they chase the leading pack which has already arrived in Hobart.
The 80th edition of the iconic race has seen 34 boats retire from the original fleet of 128, with 94 vessels still competing across Bass Strait.
While the line honours winner reached Hobart just after 6pm yesterday, Tasmanian crews are making the most of their extended time at sea as conditions finally improve.
Flight Mode, representing the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and skippered by Matt Pilkington, has overcome early setbacks to continue their campaign with renewed spirits.
The crew faced a significant challenge on Day 3 when they began taking on water, forcing them to conduct running repairs before rejoining the race.
They say sailing conditions have since improved dramatically, with a favourable north-east wind now propelling the fleet southward.
The Flight Mode crew has embraced the improved conditions, celebrating with red wine at dinner and proudly representing the Tasmania Devils while making their way through Bass Strait.
The crew even managed to hook a tuna this morning as they sailed past Flinders Island.
Three Tasmanian yachts have been forced to retire from the race.
Coastwatcher, skippered by Craig Coulson, retired after a “medical incident”, meanwhile Kraken 42S retired after its skipper was injured from a wave smashing into the boat, with Tasmanian boat Coastwatcher also having retired.
Tenacity is leading the Tasmanian pack home, currently sailing off the coast of St Helens as of 10:45am.
Comanche took line honours in the race, crossing the finish line in Hobart just after 6pm on Sunday with a time of 2 days, 5 hours, 3 minutes and 36 seconds.
