It was an enthralling battle between the supermaxis all the way to Hobart - and the Derwent finale didn't disappoint

For a second time in three years, Jim Cooney and the crew of the 30.5-metre (100-foot) Maxi yacht Comanche have secured the Line Honours trophy at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. After an intense battle, eventually resolved during the final night, a precision-led move to sail well east of the rhumb line in the Bass Strait placed Comanche in a commanding lead ahead of the last leg up the notoriously fickle Derwent River. Comanche missed out on bettering her own race record, set in 2017, by some six hours, but by finishing the 628nm course in one day, 18 hours, 30 minutes, Comanche successfully held off four similar-sized rivals. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the preeminent offshore races and challenging wind conditions along the eastern seaboard of Tasmania, those still racing will need to exhibit all the skill and perseverance that have characterized this legendary race since it was first held in 1945. Organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race has been partnered by Rolex since 2002 and, with line honours now resolved, attention turns to who will secure the overall win on handicap at the75th edition. 

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting new SailGP global championship, where national teams race in supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

Photo: Comanche arriving to Hobart to claim Line Honours victory - 
Image: Rolex Carlo Borlenghi