Philosopher retires from 2004 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race after losing mast

Philosopher heads down Harbour © Bow Caddy Media

The 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has claimed its third boat to a dismasting when New South Wales boat Philosopher retired from the race.

The Sydney 36 CR owned by Michael Tilden from NSW, retired when it was approximately 16 nautical miles east of Jervis Bay at (TIME)

Philosopher in big seas at Sydney Heads on day 1 of the annual Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship - photo © Tilly McKnight Media

It became the fifth boat to retire on the first day, shortly after one of the favourites of the race, URM Group, was also forced to retire after being dismasted.

Earlier, Ciao Bella retired at 2014hrs after suffering steering issues. Last year’s winner Alive was the first to retire, at 1610hrs, when it suffered engine issues, followed by NSW boat Transcendence Rudy Project which was also dismasted around 1820hrs.

Ciao Bella during the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race - photo © CYCA | Ashley Dart

Transcendence Rudy Project owner and co-skipper, Martin Cross, said he and son John, his co-skipper, were “ok and were heading to New Shellharbour for the night”.

“The mast broke in three places – we had to cut away the top section that was in danger of damaging the hull,” he said.

“Shame, as we were going so well.”