The 80th running of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race faced an early setback as the **100-foot supermaxi Wild Thing 100** withdrew during its first night at sea. The vessel reported rigging damage, prompting its return to **Sydney** around **04:00** on **December 27, 2023**. Fortunately, all crew members are safe following the incident, which occurred east-north-east of **Tuross Head** on the **New South Wales** South Coast.
As of **05:00**, the race was led by **Master Lock Comanche** and reigning champion **LawConnect**, who were separated by approximately two miles. Neither competitor is expected to break the race record of **one day, nine hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds**, set by Comanche in **2017**. The American **88-footer Lucky** and supermaxi **SHK Scallywag** are currently in pursuit of the leaders.
Wild Thing 100’s retirement is particularly disappointing for veteran skipper **Grant Wharington**, who had overseen extensive upgrades to the yacht in preparation for this year’s race. Last year, Wild Thing 100 finished third in line honours, even with a smaller rig than typically used for a vessel of its size. In **May**, a larger mast was installed to enhance performance, especially in lighter wind conditions, which were anticipated as the supermaxis approached **Hobart**.
Prior to the race, Wharington acknowledged that the conditions were not ideal for Wild Thing 100, which is more suited to reaching conditions where wind blows across the boat. Despite the expectation of rough weather, Wild Thing 100 was the only boat to retire overnight by **05:00**. Earlier, several boats had already withdrawn on **Boxing Day**, including **Hutchies Yeah Baby** due to a damaged headstay foil, **White Noise** with rigging issues, and **Inukshuk**, which faced a rudder problem.
While **Silver Fern**, which initially turned back off the eastern **Sydney** coast, continued racing overnight, **Yendys** scratched before the starting gun due to a broken backstay. Wild Thing 100’s withdrawal leaves the fleet at **124 boats**, marking a dramatic beginning to this year’s Sydney to Hobart race.
