In a nail-biting conclusion to one of the world's most gruelling ocean races, the supermaxi yacht Lawless has been crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Sydney to Hobart. After more than two days of intense sailing, skipper Christian Beck and his crew secured the prestigious Tattersall Cup in a dramatic final showdown on the River Derwent.
A Tense Finale on the Derwent
The race for line honours, claimed earlier by the supermaxi Andoo Comanche, was just the prelude to the main event. The battle for overall victory on corrected time came down to a tense duel between Lawless and the two-time defending champion, Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine. As the two yachts approached Hobart in light and fickle winds, the outcome hung in the balance.
Lawless, a Reichel/Pugh 69, made a critical tactical move by sailing closer to the eastern shore of the Derwent. This gamble paid off handsomely, finding a slightly better breeze that propelled them past their rival. Alive was left stranded in a wind hole, watching as Lawless sailed by to claim the ultimate prize. The winning margin was a decisive 47 minutes on corrected time.
Emotion and Elation for the Winning Crew
For Christian Beck, a technology entrepreneur, this victory was the culmination of a long-held ambition. "It's a dream come true," an emotional Beck stated after docking at Constitution Dock. "The race was incredibly tough, and the final hours were agonising. To finally win this race is just unbelievable."
The victory is a testament to the skill and perseverance of the entire 16-person crew, who managed the yacht perfectly through a race that featured everything from strong southerlies to frustrating calms. The win marks a significant achievement for Beck, who has been a passionate competitor in the event for years.
Fleet Battles the Elements
The 2024 edition of the classic 628-nautical mile race lived up to its formidable reputation. The fleet of 87 yachts faced a challenging mix of conditions after a fast start down the New South Wales coast. While the supermaxis battled for line honours, the race for the Tattersall Cup was always going to be won by a smaller yacht in the competitive fleet.
Other notable performances included a strong showing by URM Group in third place on corrected time. Meanwhile, the race committee confirmed that all yachts were accounted for, with no major incidents reported—a welcome relief for organisers and sailors' families alike.
The victory for Lawless adds a new chapter to the rich history of the Sydney to Hobart, proving once again that strategy, nerve, and a little luck are just as important as raw speed in conquering this iconic Australian sailing challenge.
