Thrilling Victory: Alive and LawConnect Dominate 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race

Alive and LawConnect Triumph in the 2023

The 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race etched new chapters in its storied history in a thrilling display of skill and endurance. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, this year’s race, held under Rolex’s partnership since 2002, showcased the competing crews’ incredible tenacity and tactical understanding. Among the fleet, the spotlight shone brightly on two remarkable yachts – Alive, a Tasmanian vessel claiming a historic overall victory, and LawConnect, the line honors victor.

The 78th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a grueling 628-nautical mile journey from Sydney to Hobart, lived up to its reputation as a demanding test of sailing prowess and strategic ingenuity. The race commenced under sunny skies, with a fleet of 103 diverse yachts, but soon encountered rapidly changing weather conditions. The sailors faced thunderstorms, heavy rain, and erratic winds in the initial 24 hours, followed by challenging upwind conditions across the Bass Strait and along Tasmania’s coast, leading to the retirement of 16 crews.

Through its challenging conditions and intense competition, the race showcased the essence of offshore racing - a blend of endurance, strategic thinking, and the unyielding spirit of the crews. It exemplified why this race is a revered event in the yachting world, demanding skill, determination, and teamwork.

The Overall Winner - Alive’s Remarkable Victory

Alive, a 66 ft yacht owned by Phillip Turner and skippered by Duncan Hine, achieved a historic victory in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, marking the second time a Tasmanian boat has won the Tattersall Cup twice. Hine, a race veteran and part of the winning crew in 2018, took pride in this accomplishment, viewing it as solid proof of their team’s exceptional skill and not just a stroke of luck.

The journey to victory was a true test of endurance and strategy. The Reichel Pugh 66 navigated a demanding 628-nautical mile course, known for pushing even the most seasoned sailors to their limits. Their strategic decision to head east out of Sydney, in line with the tactics of the leading maxis, was critical. This move enabled them to avoid the worst weather conditions and make the most of the easterly winds.

However, the race needed to be more straightforward. Alive faced significant challenges, including losing a vital sail early on. Despite this, the crew’s resilience and tactical intelligence were evident. The crucial final leg, a demanding 10-mile upwind battle along Hobart’s Derwent River, was where Alive’s deep understanding of the local waters became a decisive advantage, allowing them to outpace their closest competitor, URM Group.

The crew’s extensive experience was a crucial factor in their success. Navigator Adrienne Cahalan, participating in her 31st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, brought invaluable knowledge and strategic insight. Her guidance and the crew’s dedicated efforts played a pivotal role in securing this remarkable win.

Alive’s triumph celebrates their skill and determination and underscores the spirit of resilience and strategic mastery essential for conquering one of the world’s most challenging offshore races.