Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 – Leaders Match Race to Grand Finale

For the past 24 hours, thunderstorms, relentless rain, lightning and a 180° windshift under cover of darkness have conspired to make life extremely difficult for the intrepid sailors heading south in the 78th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The two 100-foot maxis LawConnect and Andoo Comanche are neck and neck at the head of the fleet and have been consistently traveling at more than 20 knots, but with a light south or south easterly set to move in this evening, progress on the final 200-mile stretch could be laborious, and a new course record is out of the question. The fearsome conditions have seen 11 of the 103 starting boats forced to retire, including line honours contender SHK Scallywag 100 from Hong Kong, following a disastrous bowsprit breakage just hours from the starting line. Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Rolex has been partnering the iconic offshore race since 2002 as part of its near 70-year association with the sport of yachting. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/47cTueT Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the mo