URM Group leads Australian Maxi Championship after two race days

Day Two of the 2025 Australian Maxi Championship kicked off under a fresh southerly breeze following Sydney’s extreme heat, setting up an exciting day of tactical racing. The fleet navigated a 27nm course, starting inside Sydney Harbour and rounding a mark off Botany Bay before finishing back in the harbour.

The race commenced with significant drama as the fleet rushed towards the boat end of the line, causing traffic issues that left top competitors like LawConnect, Master Lock Comanche, and Wild Thing 100 momentarily stuck. LawConnect‘s skipper, Tony Mutter, noted their misfortune as they were locked out by smaller boats, saying that URM Group pushed their line brilliantly during the start.

However, it was David Witt, the skipper of SHK Scallywag 100, who made a clean break and led the fleet out of Sydney Heads. Remarkably, URM Group, a 72-footer, was the next yacht out, ultimately converting their strong start into an overall IRC victory and moving to the top of the leaderboard.

In the IRC standings, No Limit finished in second place, followed closely by Moneypenny, rounding out a very competitive podium.

Anthony Johnson, co-owner of URM Group, reflected on their performance, highlighting their excellent start and teamwork. Johnson praised the crew and mentioned that they felt satisfied with their result despite Wild Thing 100 overtaking them in the final stretch.

Skipper Marcus Ashley-Jones remarked on the successful day, expressing confidence in the crew, especially noting the team’s wins tend to coincide with having the Johnston brothers onboard.

Looking ahead, racing continues with another day of passage challenges planned, culminating in the iconic SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday, December 9th.

What’s Next
The competition will intensify as Australia’s leading Maxi and Mini Maxi yachts aim for the ultimate title of 2025 Australian Maxi Champion. Following one last day of racing on December 8th, the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge promises to deliver a spectacular conclusion to the regatta.

Australian Maxi Championship Competitors

Master Lock Comanche
Aiming to defend their success in the previous championship, Master Lock Comanche returns with a strong team under the direction of James Mayo and Matt Allen.
Moneypenny
Acquired last year by Rob Appleyard, Moneypenny is looking to maintain its competitive edge following a strong performance last season.
No Limit
David Gotze’s Reichel/Pugh 62, No Limit, remains a contender in major regattas this season.
LawConnect
With past success in the Rolex Sydney Hobarts, LawConnect aims for top results at this championship, having nearly clinched first place last year.
SHK Scallywag 100
Returning to Sydney after a successful stint in Europe, SHK Scallywag 100 is hungry for redemption after a tough race last year.
URM Group
Returning with a new rig and sails, URM Group is a fierce competitor in this championship, aiming for success after a strong showing in previous seasons.
Wild Thing 100
Upgraded to a full-sized 100-foot rig, Wild Thing 100 will face competition as it debuts against other 100-footers.