Key Takeaways
- The Millennium Falcon, a 39-foot yacht, was the last to finish the 80th edition of the Sydney to Hobart ocean race, with a time of 141 hours at sea.
- The yacht, skippered by 71-year-old Robert Griffits, experienced equipment failures and relied on mobile phones for navigation towards the end of the journey.
- The crew faced challenges such as a southerly change, sea sickness, and a broken electronic pump, but persevered to complete the race.
- The yacht’s name is a reference to the famous Star Wars spacecraft, and its performance was likened to the fictional ship’s ability to achieve impressive feats despite being worn out.
Introduction to the Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon, a Sydney to Hobart yacht, has drawn comparisons to its namesake from the Star Wars franchise. The 39-foot yacht, skippered by 71-year-old part-time ophthalmologist Robert Griffits, was the final boat to finish the 80th edition of the ocean race, crossing the finish line at 10:22am on Thursday. Griffits and his crew of five spent over 141 hours at sea, facing numerous challenges along the way. Despite the difficulties they encountered, the crew persevered, relying on mobile phones for navigation after their on-board equipment failed.
The Yacht’s Journey
The Millennium Falcon’s journey was not without its setbacks. The crew used hand pumps and buckets to scoop out water after their electronic pump gave up, and a table used for "hanging on to" broke its legs. Griffits, who bought the yacht in 2020, was unaware of the Star Wars reference when he purchased the boat. However, he has since grown fond of the name, likening the yacht’s performance to the fictional ship’s ability to achieve impressive feats despite being worn out. The original Millennium Falcon, as described by Griffits, was "a bit of a rusted-out freighter that was held together by chewing gum."
Challenges Faced by the Crew
The crew of the Millennium Falcon faced their roughest period when a southerly change hit on Tuesday night, after the majority of the fleet had already finished. The boat was "getting tossed around a lot," with the crew being thrown from side to side. The deck spent a fair bit of time underwater, revealing weak points on the interior that were not previously apparent. Sea sickness also affected the crew, with the stove only being used for boiling water for tea, coffee, and instant noodles. Despite these challenges, the crew persevered, using their resourcefulness and determination to complete the race.
Comparison to the Star Wars Spacecraft
Griffits drew comparisons between his yacht and the Star Wars Millennium Falcon, referencing the fictional ship’s propulsion system, the hyperdrive. The yacht’s performance was likened to the spacecraft’s ability to achieve impressive feats despite being worn out. The 1975-built Millennium Falcon’s time of five days, 21 hours, 22 minutes, and 42 seconds was more than three days slower than line-honours winner Master Lock Comanche. However, the crew’s determination and perseverance earned them a wooden spoon, a symbol of their completion of the challenging Sydney to Hobart race.
Race Results and Statistics
Of the starting 128 yachts, 34 were forced to retire from the race. The overall honours were claimed by a female skipper for the first time, after yacht Min River rose to top spot when frontrunner BNC was penalised for breaching race rules. The Master Lock Comanche took out line honours in the race, with a stunning daylight hours finish. The Millennium Falcon’s completion of the race was a testament to the crew’s determination and resourcefulness, despite being the last to finish. Griffits, who was given a wooden spoon after arriving at Constitution Dock, has completed the Sydney to Hobart for the first time, after several attempts.
Conclusion
The Millennium Falcon’s journey in the Sydney to Hobart ocean race was a testament to the crew’s determination and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, including equipment failures and sea sickness, the crew relied on their resourcefulness and mobile phones to navigate the final stretch of the journey. The yacht’s name, referencing the famous Star Wars spacecraft, was fitting, given its ability to achieve impressive feats despite being worn out. The crew’s completion of the race earned them a wooden spoon, a symbol of their achievement, and a story to tell for years to come.