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Bruising southerly delivers drama as Sydney Hobart leaders trade blows

Home 2025 Bruising southerly delivers drama as Sydney Hobart leaders trade blows

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A bruising night in the Southern Ocean has given way to a gripping daylight battle in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with five of the fleet’s fastest boats locked in a tight contest after days of punishing conditions.

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Date: 28/12/2025 – 1600 hours (51.1 hours after start) 

Vice Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, David Jacobs, said the scale of the challenge was evident in the fleet’s progress, with most boats still battling their way south. 

“Of the 95 boats that are currently sailing, around 75 are not yet halfway,” Jacobs said. “That gives you an idea of how hard it’s been.” 

While much of the fleet continues to grind south through Bass Strait, the fight for line honours has developed into a rare and compelling match-race scenario. Since leaving Sydney Heads, the lead group has remained tightly bunched, swapping positions repeatedly as conditions have shifted. 

“At the moment we have Master Lock Comanche in the lead, with (LawConnect and) SHK Scallywag 100 only four nautical miles behind, and then Lucky and Palm Beach 11 not far back,” Jacobs said. “They’ve been essentially match racing for half the course, which is extraordinary. It’s going to be an extraordinary finish.” 

Despite Master Lock Comanche holding a narrow advantage, Jacobs said the outcome remains far from settled. 

“She’s in the lead, but by no means certain to take line honours.” 

The race was shaped overnight by a cold, bruising southerly that delivered steep seas and relentless punishment to crews and boats alike. Jacobs described the conditions as uncomfortable rather than dangerous but acknowledged the physical toll. 

“One helmsman said it felt like climbing a five-storey building and doing a belly-flop into a swimming pool,” he said. “As the boats go up a steep wave and crash down, you can imagine what that does to both the crew and the boats.” 

Wave heights of three to four metres battered the fleet, but conditions have since begun to ease. Winds are moderating, seas are settling, and a gradual shift to the east is expected to give sailors a more comfortable ride as they approach Tasmania. 

After a tough night, today’s sailing has been markedly different. 

“Last night was rough, cold and wet. Today appears much more comfortable and consistent,” Jacobs said. 

The improved conditions have not prevented retirements, but the numbers remain within historical norms. Thirty-three boats have retired so far, a figure comparable to last year’s 32 withdrawals. 

“In a tough race, you expect a lot of retirements,” Jacobs said. “This year is about right.” 

Despite the attrition, Jacobs rejected suggestions that sailors were on edge following last year’s tumultuous race. 

“This year was upwind, which is uncomfortable but different,” he said. “Last year was downhill racing, which brings its own challenges. This wasn’t dangerous — just tough.” 

Looking ahead, Jacobs said the leading boats could enjoy a relatively pleasant run around Tasman Island before lighter conditions test their patience in the Derwent. 

“They’ll have the sun behind them, seven to 10 knots forecast, and ride up Storm Bay into the Derwent,” he said. “Later tonight the wind may drop, and around midnight it’s forecast to swing northerly, which could make things tricky.” 

With the possibility of a daylight finish, anticipation is building on the Hobart waterfront. 

“It would be nice to be greeting the lead boat in daylight rather than at 2am,” Jacobs said. 

While the maxis dominate the headlines, Jacobs singled out Lucky for its performance against larger rivals. 

“She’s not a super maxi, but she’s nearly dethroned them at times,” he said. “It’s a great performance.” 

Asked who he was backing, Jacobs had a simple answer. 

“There are 95 yachts still racing — and I’m backing every one of them.” 

As the fleet pushes toward the River Derwent, with no protests lodged and conditions easing, the 80th edition of the race is shaping as another chapter in the event’s enduring reputation for drama, endurance and unpredictability. 

Steve Dettre/RSHYR media