URM Group retires from 2004 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race after losing mast
by Steve Dettre / RSHYR media 27 Dec 2024 00:45 NZDT
26 December 2024
URM Group working on a few sail changes after passing through Sydney Heads © Carlo Borlenghi / ROLEX
One of the favourites of the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, URM Group, has been forced to retire after being dismasted.
URM Group, owned by Anthony and David Johnston, was sitting fourth on line and fourth overall. She finished second overall last year after crossing the line in third place.
The Reichel Pugh Maxi 72 from NSW was sailing 65 nautical miles south east of Montague Island when the incident occurred.
It becomes the fourth boat to retire from the race organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, after Ciao Bella retired at 2014hrs after her steering cable snapped leaving her rudderless.
Earlier, last year's winner, Phillip Turner's Alive (Tas) became the first to retire, at 1610hrs, when it suffered engine issues, followed by Transcendence Rudy Project, Martin and John Cross's double handed entry, which was also dismasted around 1820hrs.
The remaining fleet of 100 yachts is continuing down the New South Wales south coast, led by Master Lock Comanche (Matt Allen and James Mayo), but Christian Beck's Law Connect has closed the gap to 3.5 nautical miles.