Sydney Hobart – I should be so…
by John Curnow, Sail-World.com AUS Editor 26 Dec 2025 03:35 GMT
Lucky - the super-impressive 88-footer out of the USA © Rolex/Andrea Francolini
Lucky. It was ominous. An all-white boat with no decals should have stood out, but nestled in there almost in amongst the spectator fleet on the Western side of the track was the all-conquering 88-footer from the USA, Lucky. Why so incredible? Well, it was only for around five minutes, but they deployed their new North Sails A2 just about as quickly as LawConnect, who definitely won those bragging rights BTW, as well as first out the Heads.
Now the acceleration said new North Sails A2 delivered, and remember the crew are just as ominous as the boat, was spectacular and catapulted them into third place at the outer turning mark and looking well serious henceforth, even as they bounded past Bondi Beach where 15 CYCA vessels dispersed rose petals for each of the victims of the recent massacre (as well as other craft BTW).
Two paragraphs in and you’re wondering why I am still on about Lucky. Well. At a time yet to be determined, it is odds on that said A2 with the fingertip luff that points straight into the breeze, as opposed to a rolled over knuckle, will get a chance to be used once more as they cross Storm Bay. (See Like watching a big front build for more info on it all) If they have hung on to the leaders like they have in the first 45 minutes of the race thus far, it will be more than game on. Definitely one to look for in the ensuing days to come.
Elsewhere, and it was no surprise to see Palm Beach XI, who were sans C-Foils (given they would have limited use in this race), have the first slab in from the get go. The R/P pencil never needed to be heeled over like Comanche does. Wild Thing 100 also adopted this pose, as she still has the keel of an 80-footer, and SHK Scallywag went the tuck once outside.
At the Heads (just under six minutes into it), some may have wondered why, for there was a momentary lapse of reason when overall slop met heavy seaway, and a crumping breeze. No need to stress. Squirt arrived soon enough, and it will hang in, possibly even clocking right later on. Heading out meant you could meet the East Australia Current heading South, but remember it was going to clash with the breeze, and alas, it is never a good mix.
No wonder we saw a lot of craft elect to begin tacking down the Rhumbline, which should continue for a few hours at least. SHK Scallywag saw the power on offer further out, and it was clear air, but the dig back into the 3m swell was work indeed, and over time, the right could be the go. Later on, things might goes NE for the leaders, but for now, inshore probably holds sway.
This is clearly what Law Connect and Palm Beach XI believe (no surprises there), with Comanche going for middle ground, and Lucky going the mung bean flyer out East. SHK Scallywag, Callisto, Celestial, Wild Thing 100, and URM Group agreed. Being a leg winning VO70 (ex-Ericsson 3), Celestial has new North Sails rags on board and some of the best ocean racers going around manning her. If anything can hit with Thor’s hammer, then it is one of these. It is no wonder she is now right in amongst the leaders, to many of whom she hands away 30 feet.
Special mention also has to be given to URM Group, which has always been a good Windward vessel, and they were punching above their weight class at 72 feet, by being in sixth place early on, and leading all of the mini maxis. In the same paragraph, literally, you have to say Callisto (a PAC 52 from NZL) is putting in a mighty effort. How long can this well-credentialled outfit hang in when they hand off so much LWL? We are about to find out.
Back down the fleet and turgid water stirred up spectator craft added to unpleasantness, and conservative set ups with reefs in and small headsails aloft made some of it hard going, but the breeze did get them all out in around 30 minutes or so. There is a lot of work to be done, and if you can sleep on the rail, now would be a good time to put the credits in the bank. There is a way to go yet.
Thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com
Earlier 2025 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race articles:
Death Valley or Plateau of Pain
Ocean Graders' Delight in the Sydney Hobart Race
New and improved Swiss Army Knife (now with steroids)
Like watching a big front build
Who let the dogs out?
And so, it begins…