- Andoo Comanche and LawConnect battle for line honors
- Two 100-footers are within sight of each other, just outside Hobart
- Comanche's advantage is reduced by LawConnect along the Tasmanian coast
Supermaxi yachts Andoo Comanche and LawConnect are in the middle of a tough battle on the River Derwent to determine the line honors in the Sydney to Hobart.
The two 100-footers were within sight of each other before 5am on Thursday as they passed Tasman Island, about 40 nautical miles from the finish line, and remained close as they sailed up the Derwent River to the finish at Castray Esplanade.
Last year's winner Comanche had the advantage on Tasmania's east coast on Wednesday evening, but LawConnect – second in the past three events – took the lead at the finish, Channel Seven reported.
The closest finish in Sydney to Hobart history was in 1982 when Condor from Bermuda beat Apollo by just seven seconds.
Andoo Comanche (photo) maintains his narrow lead in the battle for line honors
LawConnect (pictured) ate into its rival's lead along the Tasmanian coast, leaving the two vessels within sight of each other as they sailed down the Derwent River
LawConnect, skippered and owned by Christian Beck, came out on top in Sydney on Boxing Day after a dramatic start to the 628 nautical mile bluewater classic.
Comanche – the pre-race favorite – flew a protest flag and accused fellow supermaxi SHK Scallywag of tacking too close to her as the pair made their way out.
Scallywag, who completed a protest turn as a result, was forced to withdraw about six hours into the race after breaking her bowsprit.
Eleven of the 103-strong fleet that lined up pulled the pin, with some reporting damage and seasickness in challenging conditions, including a thunderstorm on the first night.
LawConnect navigator Chris Lewis described the stormy seas as “wild” with 180 degree wind shifts.
Pre-race favorite Comanche looks set for one of the tightest winning margins the famed race has seen in years
Moneypenny, URM Group and Alive are about 90 nautical miles behind the two duel leaders, with the third remaining supermaxi Wild Thing 100 further back in sixth place.
URM Group has suffered damage to the jib and has lost its code zero spinnaker.
Shane Connelly, skipper of retired two-hander Rum Rebellion, was briefly thrown overboard in strong winds off the NSW coast on Boxing Day.
There could be further challenges for crews as a strong wind warning is in effect for the waters off Tasmania's east coast on Thursday.