Comanche surrounded by fans... in the American ship has sailed the Spanish Pablo Arararte (Photo Kurt Arrigo)

The 80 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has already won in real time. Master Lock Comanche, co-patronized by Matt Allen and James Mayo, was set after a spectacular battle with LawConnect and SHK Scallywag 100, resolving the duel on an exciting arrival in Hobart. On board the Australian maxi he sailed the Pablo Arrarte song, which thus sums up his fifth victory in the mythical ocean race of the southern hemisphere.

The Australian classic, dubbed over 628 nautical miles (1,162 kilometres) between Sydney and Hobart, offered a vibrant and demanding edition. Five 100-foot maxis left as favorites, starring in one of the most spectacular exits of recent years. From the beginning, LawConnect, winner of the two previous editions, marked the pace, with Master Lock Comanche and SHK Scallywag 100 very attentive to each movement.

The early abandonment of the Wild Thing 100, due to structural problems, reduced the group of applicants, but not the intensity of the race. For much of the journey to the Bass Strait, leadership was alternating, with minimal differences between the three great favorites. The race was decided on the final stretch, when the wind fell and forced a precise and strategic navigation.

Taking advantage of a better coastal position and a perfect wind reading, Master Lock Comanche managed to open a small but decisive advantage in the approach to the Derwent River. The maxi crossed the line of arrival in Hobart with a time of 2 days, 5 hours, 3 minutes and 36 seconds, signing a victory as tight as it is brilliant

The triumph is the fifth absolute victory for this ship - before like Comanche, LDV Comanche and Andoo Comanche - and a new consecration for its crew. For Pablo Arararte, this victory represents the fifth in seven participations, consolidating it as one of the most successful Spanish regatists in the history of the test.

47 minutes from the winner LawConnect entered, with the canaries Carlos Hernández and Simbad Quiroga on board, while SHK Scallywag 100 completed the podium. The Lucky, with Juan Vila and Antonio 'Ñeti' Cuervas- Mons, then ended, closing a spectacular struggle among the great maxis.

The 2025 edition has again demonstrated the hardness of the Rolex Sydney Hobart: more than 30 ships left due to damage or extreme conditions. However, the race reaffirms its status as one of the most demanding and prestigious tests of the international calendar.

The focus is now on the compensated time classification, with about 90 boats still in competition. The award will take place on December 31 in Hobart, putting the gold brooch to a new edition of the ocean winter race par excellence.