sydney to hobart yacht washed up on island

Sydney to Hobart yacht race competitor Huntress ashore on Christmas Beach.(Twitter: Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania)

Race to salvage Huntress after Hobart competitor beached on Cape Barren Island

By Monte Bovill and James Dunlevie – ABC News

A yacht abandoned during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has washed ashore on one of Tasmania’s most remote beaches after drifting for a week, with concerns for the area’s culture and environmental significance.

The crew of Huntress, a 12-metre cruiser, enjoyed “36 hours of absolute champagne sailing” during the 77th Sydney to Hobart race before conditions changed dramatically.

“We had 12 hours of very testing conditions on Tuesday night that unfortunately resulted in the loss of our rudder at 0700hrs Wednesday. While surfing a wave at 20 knots (boat speed), we heard a loud thud,” the crew wrote in an Instagram post.

“It became obvious that the rudder had sheared off when we saw it floating away in the distance.”

With some of the eight on board experiencing seasickness and authorities informing them a “tow would be too dangerous”, the “extremely difficult and heart-wrenching decision” was made to “leave Huntress floundering 80 nautical miles (148 kilometres) offshore”, the team posted on social media.

The crew were then taken aboard a police vessel and transferred to Flinders Island, where they said a salvage operation was “already being planned for her safe transfer to mainland Tasmania” on December 29.

Since then, Huntress has been drifting off Tasmania’s north-east coast without navigation lights or transmission of an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal after the yacht’s batteries went flat.

It has now washed ashore on Christmas Beach on truwana/Cape Barren Island.

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) first issued a warning to marine traffic on Tuesday, five days after the yacht was abandoned, alerting that Huntress was drifting 15 nautical miles off the Tasmanian mainland.

According to the MAST alert, an at-sea salvage attempt was due to take place — but before that could happen, the vessel had gone ashore.

In a now-deleted post, the boat’s owner said the team were “angry, devastated and at a complete loss as to how the hell it came to this, given she was floating around for a week now with ample opportunity to be towed to safety”.

Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania manager Rebecca Digney said there were serious concerns about the yacht breaking up.

“At the moment, the yacht appears to be intact, but we are concerned what should happen if that yacht were to break apart. It’s going to be hard to recover the vessel and keep it intact.”

She described Christmas Beach as a “very clean, pristine and remote place”.

“It’s an area frequented by the Aboriginal people that live on truwana/Cape Barren Island,” she said.

“The island is the only parcel of land in the whole of Tasmania to have a permanent, full-time Aboriginal population living on Aboriginal land.”

The area is only accessible by foot or by boat.

Salvage attempts will now be made at the weekend.

It is the second year Huntress has failed to finish the Sydney to Hobart.

In 2021, in its maiden race, Huntress retired from competition due to mainsail damage.

Click on the link below to see full ABC News report

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-06/sydney-to-hobart-huntress-beached-cape-barren-island/101830434

ALSO ON MYSAILING

Sprinting across the Celtic Sea

NSW Cherub State Champs – Change of Schedule

Race Report Manly16s 1st Season Pointscore

The United States strikes first in the J/70 Worlds

Racing at the limit on day one of the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup

CIC Normandy Channel Race

Gustavo Doreste Blanco and Jakub Surowiec are the new A-Class World Champions 2024

Andoo Team Australia on form going into America’s Cup UniCredit Youth regatta

Lifeline monday as Swiss and Americans win to keep their Louis Vuitton Cup dreams alive

British and Italians move to match point in the Llouis Vuitton Cup semi-finals

Last countdown in Palma for the J/70 Worlds

18ft Skiffs: Rod Zemanek, shortened career for 18 footer champion

Join Our Newsletter

• Name First Last
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Read all of the latest sailing news

Dinghy and Yacht Racing News

News from the offshore world

Cruising Stories from around the world

Boats & Gear

The latest boats and yachting gear

Watch everything sailing and boating

Latest Sailing News, Racing, Cruising, Boats, Gear and more

Sydney to Hobart yacht washes up on remote island

Cultural and environmental concerns after a yacht washed up on a remote island in Tasmania. (Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania Twitter)

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen, huntress yacht has been washed ashore on a remote tasmanian beach on aboriginal land. there are cultural and environmental concerns the yacht will break up before it can be salvaged, due to the remoteness of its location. sbs news reporter aymen baghdadi speaks to vica bayley from the state's aboriginal land council who says there are concerns about the yacht breaking up and damaging the land., latest podcast episodes.

Political tensions heightened in US among politicians and workers

SBS On the Money: Record: ASX snaps 8150 points

'Stop bulldozing, start negotiating': Senate teams up to delay Labor's housing bills

Why was Australia's Paralympics medal haul its lowest in decades?

Recommended for you.

'I migrated the proper way': Advocates appalled by Labor MP's message to asylum seekers

Immigration policy

Home loan costs have reached a new high. Here's how much the average owner is borrowing

Housing Affordability

This popular hobby could keep you looking younger for longer

Why Australians are buying EVs even if they can't charge the cars at home

Electric vehicles

Kamala Harris v Donald Trump: Who won the high-stakes presidential debate?

Presidential elections

Australia's most (and least) trusted brands: Bunnings in top spot as supermarkets tumble

Brand rankings

Is it dementia or just being forgetful? How to spot the difference

'Starting to see some weakness': The suburbs where house prices are falling

Get sbs news daily and direct to your inbox, sign up now for the latest news from australia and around the world direct to your inbox..

Morning (Mon–Fri)

Afternoon (Mon–Fri)

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

SBS World News

Quick Links

Sydney-Hobart yacht washes up on island

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote Tasmanian island, where a salvage mission will be attempted.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading

Water police rescued the crew of Huntress on December 28 after the 40-foot vessel struck an unidentified object that sheared off part of its rudder.

The yacht was left to drift at sea and has washed up near Christmas Beach on Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait.

Marine and Safety Tasmania earlier this week issued an alert saying the yacht was 15 nautical miles off the state's northeast coast and salvage operations were expected to start on Wednesday.

It confirmed on Wednesday the yacht had beached on Cape Barren Island and salvage attempts would be made on Saturday.

A spokesman for Marine and Safety Tasmania said the salvage operation was a matter for the yacht's owners and insurers.

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania posted images on social media of the vessel washed ashore.

"We're hoping salvage is swift, safe and successful as she poses a risk (to) remote and pristine country," the organisation said.

Huntress was forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart race after setting off from the NSW capital on Boxing Day.

Skipper and owner Victoria Logan and her seven crewmates suffered a mishap 80 nautical miles east of Flinders Island on the morning of December 28.

She told AAP last week she was downstairs when the yacht's driver, her partner Brent, felt a thud through the steering as the vessel was riding a wave.

"The wheel got ripped out of his hand and the boat started breaching violently. It took a few minutes to work out, but we realised we lost steerage," she said.

"We realised the rudder had sheared off and we could see it floating next to the boat, off into the distance."

Logan said Huntress likely hit a sunfish. The yacht attempted the Sydney to Hobart in 2021 but failed to finish because of mainsail damage.

Logan has been contacted for comment.

Australian Associated Press

Newsletters & Alerts

Your morning news

Today's top stories curated by our news team.

Note from the Editor

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Explore Travel

Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe.

The Echidna

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

TWICE WEEKLY

The Informer

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Keep up with netball news from across the region.

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

AS IT HAPPENS

Breaking news alert

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Today's Paper Alert

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Advertisement

• Breaking News
• University Guide
• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry
• King Charles III

Aboriginal group says washed-up Sydney to Hobart race yacht is now THEIRS because the remote island is indigenous land

• Aboriginal land council claim ownership of washed up Sydney-to-Hobart yacht
• Land Council says Indigenous laws of salvage should override European ones 
• Salvage company says they asked Indigenous representatives for permission 

By David Southwell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 00:47 EDT, 10 January 2023 | Updated: 01:33 EDT, 10 January 2023

View comments

A Sydney-to-Hobart racing yacht that was abandoned on a remote island off the coast of Tasmania has been salvaged over the objections of an Aboriginal group which claims it is now owned by Indigenous people.

The race entrant Huntress was recovered from a fierce surf break and towed away from Cape Barren, also known as Truwana, on Monday, weeks after it was abandoned and washed ashore due to a broken rudder.

But Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chairman Michael Mansell told the ABC no permission was given to move the Huntress and that 'any vessels wrecked... on the shores of Aboriginal land belong to Aborigines'.

The beached Sydney to Hobart yacht Huntress (pictured)  has been claimed by traditional owners under Indigenous law

'The Huntress has washed up on the shores of Aboriginal land on Cape Barren and that makes that vessel the property of Aboriginal people … that's always the Aboriginal law,' he told the   national broadcaster.

'From the time that the white people chased us off our land in Tasmania and put us on the islands, the old people always applied Aboriginal traditional law to anything that washed up on the shores of Aboriginal land.'

Mr Mansell said the Aboriginal right of salvage on the territory had been recognised since 1920 and cited a number of wrecked vessels that he said had passed into Aboriginal hands. 

Land Council of Tasmania chairman Michael Mansell said that the boat's ownership should either pass to the traditional owners or a third of the vessel's value paid

Huntress owner Brent Dowton has been contacted for comment. In a Facebook past Mr Dowton thanked Total Dive Solutions and sub-contractor Total Marine Solutions for the salvaging the vessel.

RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

'We will be working with our insurer to plan Huntress’s repairs in restoring her to her former glory,' the message said.

'This may take several months to complete but we cannot wait to get started!'

Mr Mansell (pictured left) says that the Aboriginal laws of salvage have been operating on Cape Barren Island since 1820

In a separate Facebook post , Total Dive Solutions gave 'special' thanks to 'the Cape Barren Island Indigenous community representatives for their permission and local site knowledge'.

Under the common law of salvage a wrecked vessel still belongs to the owners but salvors may, under certain circumstances, claim a reward. 

After leaving Sydney on December 26 the Huntress lost its rudder on December 28, causing the crew to abandon ship.

The vessel was spotted drifting by a cruise ship on January 2 and was reported as a potential hazard to shipping before landing on Cape Barren Island on January 4.

Share or comment on this article: Tasmanian Aboriginal Cape Barren Island owners say Sydney to Hobart yacht Huntress is their's

Most watched news videos.

• Old clip of 56-year-old man who attempted to kill Trump resurfaces
• Huw Edwards leaves court following sentencing
• Barrister on former BBC presenter Huw Edwards: His sentence is a joke
• Jay Blades arrives at court where he faces motoring charge
• Disgraced presenter Huw Edwards arrives at court for sentencing
• Dame Angela Eagle dodges questions on PM's luxury glasses habit
• David Lammy complains of no taxpayer budget for Starmer's clothes
• Footage shows destroyed room in Lebanon after pager's explosion
• Chaotic scenes in Beirut hospital after Hezbollah pager explosion
• Dominique Pelicot's lawyer: 'He asked his wife to forgive him'
• Gisele Pelicot arrives at the criminal court in Avignon
• Shocking scenes inside hospital shows aftermath of Beirut explosion

Share what you think

• Worst rated

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

• Follow DailyMail
• Subscribe Daily Mail
• Follow @dailymail
• Follow MailOnline
• Follow Daily Mail

From the Makers of Candy Crush

• Back to top

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group

Salvaging stranded Sydney to Hobart yacht Huntress could be too big a job, experts warn

By Monte Bovill

Topic: Sailing

Sydney to Hobart yacht race competitor Huntress ashore on Christmas Beach. ( Twitter: Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania )

On remote Christmas Beach on Tasmania's truwana/Cape Barren Island, you would rarely see any evidence of human life.

Key points:

• Huntress washed ashore on Christmas Beach after its rudder broke off on the third day of the Sydney to Hobart race
• The crew was rescued and the yacht cut loose, with the owners questioning why it was not retrieved while at sea
• A salvage expert says it will take a lot of work to get the yacht off the beach in one piece

The waves that crash on the pristine white sand would normally bring shells and seaweed.

But a string of dramatic events has meant a much-loved yacht now sits lonely and motionless on the beach.

There are still many unanswered questions in the story of the 12-metre cruiser Huntress.

Its crew made an "extremely difficult and heart-wrenching decision" to abandon it after it lost its rudder during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

It was then left to drift for a week before it washed ashore.

Why wasn't Huntress rescued at sea?

Passengers on a cruise ship have told the ABC they spotted the yacht as they were travelling from New Zealand to Melbourne on January 2.

A ghostly Huntress appears through fog and bobbing around in the waves.  ( Supplied: Sylvia Hamnett )

The passengers said the cruise ship turned around and headed towards Huntress when there was no response from the yacht in case a rescue or assistance was required. 

Images and videos from onboard the ship show a ghostly Huntress appearing through fog and bobbing around in the waves. 

An alert issued by Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) said an at-sea salvage attempt was due to take place — but before that could happen, the vessel had gone ashore.

"MAST understands there was contact with a fisherman, but I'm not quite certain about that and why that didn't happen," said MAST's Peter Hopkins.

"Whether or not a rescue or a salvage could have been made earlier, that's one for the salvage company and the insurance to work out."

The Huntress crew ahead of the start of the 2022 Sydney to Hobart race. ( Facebook: huntress888racing )

After being rescued and taken to Flinders Island, the crew said a salvage operation was "already being planned for her safe transfer to mainland Tasmania".

But just days later, in a now-deleted post, the boat's owner said the team were "angry, devastated and at a complete loss as to how the hell it came to this, given she was floating around for a week now with ample opportunity to be towed to safety".

The race tracker showing the location (green line) of Huntress drifting before it beached on Cape Barren Island. ( Supplied: Rolex Sydney to Hobart )

Rod Chamberlain, who owns marine services company Hurricane Marine, said it "seemed strange" the vessel had not been able to be saved while still at sea, suggesting it may have been held up with the yacht's insurer.

"A salvor needs to be appointed by the insurance company," he said.

Huntress ashore on Christmas Beach, on Cape Barren Island. ( Twitter: Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania )

His company offers salvage services in similar incidents and said it was always going to be a tricky situation.

"A yacht without a rudder is one of the most difficult things to tow," he said.

"A yacht with no steering is about as useless a boat as you can get."

What happens now?

Images of the yacht show its mast has broken, but the hull appears to be intact.

But the clock is ticking on the salvage operation, with concerns growing that it could break apart.

Huntress in Queensland, before it sailed south for the start of the Sydney to Hobart race 2022. ( Facebook: huntress888racing )

Mr Hopkins described it as needing a "massive effort" to get it off the beach.

"It may have been easier to pick the boat up when it was in one piece when it was drifting around," he said.

"Now the boat has beached itself, it's going to be a lot bigger operation than just simply putting a tow line on the boat and towing it back to a mooring.

"The biggest threat is the boat filling up with sand and seawater and gradually breaking apart."

Mr Chamberlain agreed.

"Often you have to use excavators to help you in that situation, but that is not an option in this area due to its remoteness," he said.

He said the sooner it was saved, the better.

"The biggest danger with any vessel on a beach is that if the sea gets around it, they soon start to break up," he said.

"Often it can be too late, and you end up with a clean-up, which becomes messy and more expensive."

What's happening on the island?

Aboriginal sea rangers on the island were the first to report the yacht had washed ashore.

"It's a very important pristine piece of Aboriginal land, and we want the salvage to be successful, safe and quick as possible," said Vica Bayley from the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.

"A modern yacht like this, full of fibreglass, plastics, stainless steel and, obviously, diesel fuel, is a completely different kettle of fish and poses a much more significant environmental risk to that part of the island."

A salvage attempt is expected to take place this weekend.

"If the boat does remain in one piece and they can get her off, then there won't be any problems," Mr Hopkins said.

"Let's just hope they do get the boat off in one piece. She's a lovely boat and I can understand the angst the crew and especially the owners are going through at the moment."

The ABC contacted the owner of Huntress and the insurer for comment.

Yacht abandoned during Sydney to Hobart washes up on remote Tasmanian island

Crew of Huntress was rescued after it struck an unidentified object during the race, with 40-foot vessel left to drift at sea

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote Tasmanian island, where authorities will attempt a salvage mission.

Water police rescued the crew of Huntress on 28 December after the 40-foot vessel struck an unidentified object that sheared off part of its rudder.

The yacht was left to drift at sea and has washed up near Christmas Beach on Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait.

Marine and Safety Tasmania earlier this week issued an alert saying the yacht was 15 nautical miles off the state’s north-east coast and salvage operations were expected to commence on Wednesday.

It confirmed later on Wednesday the yacht had beached on Cape Barren Island and salvage attempts would be made on Saturday.

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania posted images on social media of the vessel washed ashore.

“We’re hoping salvage is swift, safe and successful as she poses a risk [to] remote and pristine country,” the organisation said.

Huntress was forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart race after setting off from the New South Wales capital on Boxing Day.

Skipper Victoria Logan and her seven crewmates suffered a mishap 80 nautical miles east of Flinders Island on the morning of 28 December.

She said last week she was downstairs when the yacht’s helmsman, her partner Brent, felt a thud through the steering as the vessel was riding a wave.

after newsletter promotion

“The wheel got ripped out of his hand and the boat started breaching violently. It took a few minutes to work out, but we realised we lost steerage.

“We realised the rudder had sheared off and we could see it floating next to the boat, off into the distance.”

Logan said Huntress likely hit a sunfish. The yacht attempted the Sydney to Hobart in 2021 but failed to finish because of mainsail damage.

Marine and Safety Tasmania has been contacted for comment.

• Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Most viewed

• More Sports

‘Devastated’: Man overboard, more boats out of Sydney to Hobart

A total of nine vessels have been forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart with one skipper revealing a “devastating” update.

Thorpe’s devastating private life revelation

Tragic detail of murdered Olympian’s funeral

’Monstrous’ bodybuilder dead at age 36

Nine casulties have now struck the Sydney to Hobart fleet.

It was announced on Wednesday morning two more yachts had been forced to retire as the fleet made its way along the NSW south coast.

Scallywag was the first big casualty of the race after the Hong Kong-based sailing team’s bow sprit — which carries the yachts biggest sails — broke just hours into the race.

Scallywag had been the early leader and was in a fight with Andoo Comanche and LawConnect before it was forced to abandon its campaign.

Two more vessels were forced to retire in the early hours of Wednesday morning with Sticky and Maritimo 52 pulling out.

Sticky was forced to pull out with electrical damage, while Maritimo 52 had damage to rigging.

Small yacht Rum Rebellion was hit by a burst of water between Cronulla and Wollongong sending the boat on its side.

Shane Connelly was taken overboard and was a few metres from the boat but was able to swim back to it.

“We are both well and the main thing is our systems and drills all worked well,’’ he told News Corp.

As first reported by News Corp , Arcadia on Tuesday returned to Sydney with a torn mainsail and Rum Rebellion also turned back due to an unspecified reason.

Reigning champions Andoo Comanche and LawConnect are continuing to battle for line honours as they head towards Bass Straight.

Tuesday’s retirement was a gut-punch for the Scallywag crew which had already declared the 2023 Sydney to Hobart would be its last.

News Corp reported skipper David Witt and his crew were “devastated”. The vessel has returned safely back to Sydney.

The team earlier confirmed their sad news via its social media channels.

SHK Scallywag 100 has retired from the 2023 Sydney Hobart with a broken bow sprit. The team are obviously very disappointed given the great progress we were making but thankful no one was injured & that we could safely recover. The team are making their way back to Sydney. pic.twitter.com/fuFApS3DvT — Sun Hung Kai Scallywag (@scallywaghk) December 26, 2023

The five retirements mean there are 98 entries remaining of the 103-yacht fleet that sell sail from Sydney.

Scallywag was also involved in early drama when rival Andoo Comanche flew a protest flag alleging SHK Scallywag had tacked too close as the pair exited Sydney Harbour.

Scallywag subsequently performed a 720 penalty turn to exonerate the vessel from facing a potential disqualification.

The race tracks the eastern coast of Australia southward from Sydney, crossing the Bass Strait, before continuing along the eastern coast of Tasmania and finally reaching Hobart.

Widely considered one of the most challenging yacht races in the world, teams competing in this year’s event — the 78th edition — also risk facing thunderstorms, hail and gale-force winds through the race.

The Bureau of Meteorology, whose representatives briefed the competitors ahead of the race, said there was a high degree of uncertainty for the forecasts over coming days.

With the Bass Strait crossing often the hardest part of the race, teams can expect a larger southwest swell and strong winds.

“This year there is easterly winds and easterly swell forecast, as well as thunderstorms, which will make conditions challenging on Tuesday and Wednesday. These conditions are forecast to ease from later Wednesday,” the bureau said.

Some 113 vessels will be competing in this year’s event.

The record for the race was set in 2017 by LDV Comanche, a 100ft maxi yacht, which completed the event in just over 33 hours.

RETIREMENTS IN THE 2023 SYDNEY TO HOBART

Arcadia – Retired – mainsail damage

Currawong (TH) – Retired – electrical issues

Maritimo 52 – Retired – rigging damage

Pacman (TH) – Retired – runner damage

Rum Rebellion (TH) – Retired – minor injury

SHK Scallywag – Retired – broken bowsprit

Sticky – Retired – electrical damage

Georgia Express – rigging issues

Millennium Falcon - Retired - crew illness

Tumbleweed (TH) - Retired - crew illness

Luna Blue - Retired - damaged equipment

Ian Thorpe has for the first time revealed a devastating truth about his private life and the one moment that rocked him to his core.

Devastating images from Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s funeral have broken hearts around the world following her barbaric murder.

A body building cult hero has died suddenly with devastating details emerging about his wife’s reaction as the tragedy unfolded.

• My Account Sign Out

Sydney-Hobart yacht washes up on island

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote Tasmanian island, where authorities will attempt a salvage mission.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Water police rescued the crew of Huntress on December 28 after the 40-foot vessel struck an unidentified object that sheared off part of its rudder.

The yacht was left to drift at sea and has washed up near Christmas Beach on Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait.

Marine and Safety Tasmania earlier this week issued an alert saying the yacht was 15 nautical miles off the state's northeast coast and salvage operations were expected to commence on Wednesday.

It confirmed later on Wednesday the yacht had beached on Cape Barren Island and salvage attempts would be made on Saturday. 

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania posted images on social media of the vessel washed ashore.

"We're hoping salvage is swift, safe and successful as she poses a risk (to) remote and pristine country," the organisation said.

Huntress was forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart race after setting off from the NSW capital on Boxing Day.

Skipper Victoria Logan and her seven crewmates suffered a mishap 80 nautical miles east of Flinders Island on the morning of December 28.

She told AAP last week she was downstairs when the yacht's driver, her partner Brent, felt a thud through the steering as the vessel was riding a wave.

"The wheel got ripped out of his hand and the boat started breaching violently. It took a few minutes to work out, but we realised we lost steerage.

"We realised the rudder had sheared off and we could see it floating next to the boat, off into the distance."

Logan said Huntress likely hit a sunfish. The yacht attempted the Sydney to Hobart in 2021 but failed to finish because of mainsail damage.

Marine and Safety Tasmania has been contacted for comment.

Australian Associated Press

Related Stories

Deeming says prior political blow-up made her cautious

Thousands of migrant workers 'trapped in slavery'

Harvey Norman sued over 'worthless' extended warranties

Serial rapist should have been jailed for longer: judge

Delivered weekly each Tuesday

Most Popular

Always say ‘yes’ to opportunity

Let’s put the community first

Consultation over: they’re dingos

Prune It Back | Accept the science and win

G-MW to close another regional office

Sydney-Hobart yacht washes up on island

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote Tasmanian island, where a salvage mission will be attempted.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading

Water police rescued the crew of Huntress on December 28 after the 40-foot vessel struck an unidentified object that sheared off part of its rudder.

The yacht was left to drift at sea and has washed up near Christmas Beach on Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait.

Marine and Safety Tasmania earlier this week issued an alert saying the yacht was 15 nautical miles off the state's northeast coast and salvage operations were expected to start on Wednesday.

It confirmed on Wednesday the yacht had beached on Cape Barren Island and salvage attempts would be made on Saturday.

A spokesman for Marine and Safety Tasmania said the salvage operation was a matter for the yacht's owners and insurers.

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania posted images on social media of the vessel washed ashore.

"We're hoping salvage is swift, safe and successful as she poses a risk (to) remote and pristine country," the organisation said.

Huntress was forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart race after setting off from the NSW capital on Boxing Day.

Skipper and owner Victoria Logan and her seven crewmates suffered a mishap 80 nautical miles east of Flinders Island on the morning of December 28.

She told AAP last week she was downstairs when the yacht's driver, her partner Brent, felt a thud through the steering as the vessel was riding a wave.

"The wheel got ripped out of his hand and the boat started breaching violently. It took a few minutes to work out, but we realised we lost steerage," she said.

"We realised the rudder had sheared off and we could see it floating next to the boat, off into the distance."

Logan said Huntress likely hit a sunfish. The yacht attempted the Sydney to Hobart in 2021 but failed to finish because of mainsail damage.

Logan has been contacted for comment.

Australian Associated Press

More from National

'incredibly reckless': gun parts, bullets found in passenger's carry on bag, regional supermarket has unexpected visit from 'modern day blinky bill', gunman opens fire on family home while children sleep inside, emergency department presentations 'outpacing' nsw population growth, 'just australia mate': kangaroo takes over kfc, instagram rolls out teen account with privacy controls, newsletters & alerts.

Your morning news

Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Note from the Editor

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Explore Travel

Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe.

The Echidna

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

TWICE WEEKLY

The Informer

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

AS IT HAPPENS

Breaking news alert

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Today's Paper Alert

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Advertisement

Sydney-Hobart yacht washes up on island

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote Tasmanian island, where a salvage mission will be attempted.

Create a free account to read this article

Login or signup to continue reading

Water police rescued the crew of Huntress on December 28 after the 40-foot vessel struck an unidentified object that sheared off part of its rudder.

The yacht was left to drift at sea and has washed up near Christmas Beach on Cape Barren Island in Bass Strait.

Marine and Safety Tasmania earlier this week issued an alert saying the yacht was 15 nautical miles off the state's northeast coast and salvage operations were expected to start on Wednesday.

It confirmed on Wednesday the yacht had beached on Cape Barren Island and salvage attempts would be made on Saturday.

A spokesman for Marine and Safety Tasmania said the salvage operation was a matter for the yacht's owners and insurers.

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania posted images on social media of the vessel washed ashore.

"We're hoping salvage is swift, safe and successful as she poses a risk (to) remote and pristine country," the organisation said.

Huntress was forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart race after setting off from the NSW capital on Boxing Day.

Skipper and owner Victoria Logan and her seven crewmates suffered a mishap 80 nautical miles east of Flinders Island on the morning of December 28.

She told AAP last week she was downstairs when the yacht's driver, her partner Brent, felt a thud through the steering as the vessel was riding a wave.

"The wheel got ripped out of his hand and the boat started breaching violently. It took a few minutes to work out, but we realised we lost steerage," she said.

"We realised the rudder had sheared off and we could see it floating next to the boat, off into the distance."

Logan said Huntress likely hit a sunfish. The yacht attempted the Sydney to Hobart in 2021 but failed to finish because of mainsail damage.

Logan has been contacted for comment.

Australian Associated Press

Advertisement

Get the latest Senior news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy .

• Competitions
• Enrolments Guide
• Cap Coast Today
• Welcome to CQ
• Mind Body Health
• Seniors Today
• Industry Today
• Digital Editions
• Email Alerts
• Subscription FAQ
• Editorial Complaints
• Find My Newspaper
• Our Community
• Privacy Policy
• Privacy Statement
• Terms and Conditions

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

Sydney-Hobart yacht washes up on island

A yacht abandoned at sea after suffering damage in the Sydney to Hobart race has washed up on a remote […]

Subscribe or Login to see the rest of the content.

Coming together to support youth

Ellie’s international showjumping

Mayor’s Treat 2024 provides discounted tickets for Seniors Month Morning Melodies

Showtime at Yeppoon Little Theatre

Scent work success

Get an all access pass to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

© 2024 Central Queensland Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.