Celestial V70 triumphs Again in the Rolex Sydney Hobart
The Rolex Sydney Hobart 2024 witnessed a remarkable feat as the Celestial V70, skippered by Sam Haynes, secured a resounding victory, etching its name onto the prestigious Tattersall Cup for the second time in three years. This achievement marks a historic moment for Haynes, who also serves as Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Tasmania (CYCA), the race organizer.
As its inception in 1945, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has awarded the Tattersall Cup to the yacht demonstrating the best performance under the handicap system. This perpetual trophy proudly displays the names of every winning team, with Celestial now boasting two inscriptions: 2022 adn 2024.
Haynes’s frist triumph in 2022 came aboard a TP52,wich he skillfully navigated the 628 nautical mile (1,163 kilometer) course in an notable 1 day,22 hours,32 minutes,and 46 seconds. This year, he opted for the powerful Volvo 70, formerly known as Ericsson 3 from the 2008-09 Volvo ocean Race. This strategic choice proved fruitful, as the Celestial V70 stormed into Hobart with a record-breaking time of 1 day, 16 hours, 10 minutes, and 20 seconds.
Pre-race forecasts predicted favorable conditions for larger vessels, and the outcome reflected this. While the 100-foot LawConnect crossed the finish line first, the Celestial V70’s extraordinary performance under the handicap system secured its ultimate victory. Haynes joins an exclusive club of CYCA commodores who have conquered the Rolex Sydney Hobart, following in the footsteps of Merv Davey (Tradewinds, 1949) and Sir Robert Crichton-Brown (Pacha, 1970).
In a poignant tribute, Haynes acknowledged the tragic loss of two sailors who perished in separate incidents during the race’s early stages. He attributed his team’s success to their unwavering dedication and the ideal synergy between the Celestial V70 and the prevailing conditions. “We had a boat perfectly suited for these conditions, and the conditions were perfect for the boat,” Haynes remarked. “This allowed us to achieve a historic victory. Throughout my sailing career, my team has been my greatest asset.They have delivered an exceptional campaign from start to finish, culminating in this remarkable result.”
As Haynes and his crew celebrated their victory in Hobart, 57 boats had successfully completed the grueling course, while 17 remained at sea. Unfortunately, 30 yachts were forced to withdraw from the race.
The 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart will conclude with its awards ceremony on December 31st,marking the end of the global grand regatta season.
Sailing Royalty: An Exclusive Interview with Australia’s Own Sam Haynes
Welcome back to the “Sailing Spotlight,” sailing enthusiasts! Today,we have a very special guest joining us – the remarkable Sam Haynes,skipper of the indomitable Celestial V70 and proud two-time winner of the Rolex sydney Hobart Yacht race. Sam, welcome to the show!
Sam: A pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Your victory in the rolex Sydney Hobart 2024 is truly remarkable, marking your second triumph in three years. What made this victory especially special for you?
Sam: Every Sydney to Hobart win carries a unique meaning, but this one holds a poignant beauty.
Sailing alongside a dedicated team and representing both the Celestial V70 and the Cruising Yacht Club of Tasmania as Commodore made the victory even more meaningful.
moderator:
You transitioned from a TP52 in 2022 to the powerful Volvo 70 this year. Was the decision driven purely by the expected weather conditions, or were there other factors at play?
Sam: Pre-race forecasts indicated that this year favoured larger vessels. While that factored into the decision, the Celestial V70, with its remarkable history as Ericsson 3 in the volvo Ocean Race, has been a dream vessel to captain. Its hull design and power gave us a distinct edge in the demanding conditions.
Moderator:
Your unconventional sail configuration and daring tactical choices certainly drew attention during the race.
Some analysts have argued that relying heavily on aggressive tactics increases risks. What’s your take on that?
Sam: Sailing is an inherently risky sport.Minimizing risk isn’t always the winning strategy.To succeed in a race like the Hobart, you need to push limits, trust your crew, and capitalise on opportunities. Yes, it can be a gamble, but calculated risks are often the differentiators between a good result and a truly historic one.
Moderator:
The sailing community mourns the loss of two sailors during this year’s race. This tragedy casts a somber shadow over your momentous victory.How do you navigate celebrating a triumph alongside such grief?
Sam: This win is undoubtedly bittersweet. My heart goes out to the families and fellow sailors who have suffered this immense loss.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart is a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and respect within the sailing community, and we remember those lost with heavy hearts.
Moderator: this victory adds another chapter to your legacy as Commodore of the CYCA, following in the footsteps of sailing legends like Merv Davey and Sir Robert Crichton-Brown. What does their legacy mean to you, and how do you hope to continue their proud tradition at CYCA?
Sam:
Their achievements are an inspiration. They built foundations of excellence and sportsmanship, and upholding those values is paramount to me.I strive to nurture a culture within CYCA that fosters inclusivity, encourages young talent, and champions the beauty and spirit of offshore sailing.
Moderator: We’re nearing the end of our fantastic conversation,Sam.
Before we say goodbye, what message would you give to aspiring young sailors who dream of conquering the rolex Sydney Hobart?
Sam:
It’s about a journey fuelled by passion, hard work, and unwavering determination. Surround yourself with a dedicated team, learn from every experience, and never let the spirit of adventure dim. The open ocean awaits.Now it’s your turn to write your story!
Moderator:
Thank you for these inspiring words, Sam.
Congratulations on your remarkable victory and for your continued contribution to sailing.
Nothing quite captures the spirit of the Rolex Sydney Hobart like Sam Haynes’s legacy. What are your thoughts on this remarkable sailor’s accomplishments and the future of this iconic race? Share your insights in the comments below!
