UPDATE: The fate of the Sydney to Hobart race victory hangs in the balance as a protest threatens to overturn what appeared to be a historic win for the double-handed crew of BNC. French sailors Michel Quintin and Yann Rigal arrived at Constitution Dock at 10:40 AM on December 26, 2023, making them the first double-handed crew to lead the overall handicap standings. But a rival yacht, Min River, has lodged a protest against BNC regarding potential rule violations.
The protest was filed late Tuesday night and will be heard by an international jury on Wednesday morning. If the jury finds against BNC, they could face a time penalty that might alter their standing. Currently, Min River trails BNC by 54 minutes in corrected time. This unexpected turn of events has left the sailing community on edge.
Quintin and Rigal, who have collaborated for five years, navigated one of the smallest boats in the fleet, measuring just 35 feet. In contrast, larger yachts have historically dominated the overall honours in this grueling race. On Tuesday, NSW yacht Crux temporarily led the standings but struggled in changing winds, delaying their arrival.
“We came here to test ourselves… and we didn’t really know what results we’d have,” Quintin said, expressing disbelief at their top position just moments before the protest announcement. The duo faced extreme conditions, with vigorous seas forcing 34 out of 128 yachts to retire early in the race.
“I’m never seasick but the first six hours I couldn’t eat,” Rigal admitted, reflecting on the challenging upwind sailing that defined their journey. The pair’s resilience was put to the test, particularly when their electronic navigation equipment failed in the treacherous Bass Strait.
The outcome of the protest could redefine not only this race but also the narrative surrounding double-handed crews in future competitions. The impact of this situation is heightened as the Sydney to Hobart race continues to evolve, showcasing the grit and determination of sailors like Quintin and Rigal.
As the jury convenes to hear the protest tomorrow, all eyes will be on the outcome that could change the course of this storied race. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
