Michael Pritchard steered his Cookson 50 across the line in Hobart at 00:52:04 giving an elapsed time of 2 Days 12 Hours 52 Minutes and 04 seconds.

We had all watched the tracker and marvelled at the speeds they were achieving after the northerlies kicked in.  We did not know that in fact they had sustained significant rudder issues near Strachan. 

From Strachan to Hobart is approximately 194 nautical miles almost half of the race.  Pritchard had to limp home, they sailed in preservation mode spending the first few hours just under a jib whilst they assessed the rudder damage. Without a safe harbour available and with a following wind they made some seaman like decisions to nurse their boat home via the original route.What strikes you with this boat on arrival in Hobart is the pervading air of calm.  The team works efficiently and quietly to moor in an unfamiliar dock before enjoying a hot pie and a cold beer.  So very well deserved.