(Photo of Comanche via Rolex Sydney Hobart Facebook Page)
Comanche is the line honours winner of the 71st Rolex Sydney Hobart Race from Sydneck Australia to Hobart, Tasmania.
Their official time is 2 days, 9 hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds. This is the first American boat to lake line honours since 1998.
For more info on the race and finish – American victory as Comanche takes line honours in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
The crew members that hail from Aquidneck Island;
(Thanks to Brad Read from Sail Newport for the Aquidneck Island info)
- Ken Read, Newport
- Casey Smith, Portsmouth
- Nick Dana, Newport
- Tim Hacket (Build and Shore Team manager) Newport
- Justin (Juggy) Clougher, Newport
- Joe Fanelli, (Newport Alumni!)
Rambler
Rambler, currently 49 nautical miles from finishing in 2nd place, has many more Aquidneck Islander’s that make up their crew.
- George and Wendy David, Newport
- Jerry Kirby, Newport
- Rome Kirby, Newport
- Mick Harvey (project manager) Newport
- Stu Wilson, Newport
- Josh Belsky (Newport Alumni!)
About The Sydney Hobart Race
Over the past 70 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Australian Open tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour.
Over the years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Cruising Yacht Club of Australia have had marked influence on international ocean yacht racing. The club has influenced the world in race communications and sea safety, maintaining the highest standards for yacht race entry. The club’s members have also fared well in major ocean racing events overseas, with victories in the Admiral’s Cup, Kenwood Cup, One Ton Cup, the Fastnet Race and the BOC Challenge solo race around the word, not to mention the America’s Cup.