Master Lock Comanche and URM Group delivered comprehensive wins this week in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour. The results pile pressure on rivals ahead of the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Under the command of James Mayo and Matt Allen, the 100‑footer Comanche finished well ahead of their main rival, the two‑time defending line‑honours champion LawConnect. That victory reinforces Comanche’s status as favourite for line honours this year.
Mayo said his crew felt ready for Hobart following last year’s setback when a torn mainsail cost them dearly. “We’ve put a lot of work into this programme … we really have a tremendous team,” he said.
Mayo acknowledged the rivalry with LawConnect but added his focus remained firmly on his own boat. “Our job is just to focus on our boat, our crew and do what we do best.”
In the overall division, URM Group — a Reichel/Pugh Maxi 72 owned by the Johnston family — dominated across multiple legs of the Australian Maxi Championships. With four straight wins and only one leg lost in five, URM made a strong case for being overall contenders for this year’s Tattersall Cup.
Owner‑skipper Anthony Johnston said he was “really, really, really happy” with the streak. He noted the crew had endured a slow start earlier this season after losing their mast. “So now we’re starting to come good at the right time,” he said.
Johnston added that competing in Hobart alongside his four brothers — David, Nick, Andrew and Nigel — made the effort especially meaningful. “It’s an absolute privilege,” he said. A win, he said, would be “really special.”
Both yachts now head into the Rolex Sydney Hobart with momentum and clear ambition
