URM Group dominates again as passage racing turns on the Breeze
by CYCA Media 8 Dec 07:43 UTC
8 December 2025
URM Group solidifies their lead in the Australian Maxi Championship © CYCA | Andrea Francolini
Day Three of the 2025 Australian Maxi Championship delivered another high-energy test, with two passage races held offshore in a steadily building nor'easter that peaked at 23 knots. The short, punchy sea state made for a physically demanding day across the fleet, but for URM Group, the conditions could not have been more ideal.
URM Group won both passage races on IRC, extending their lead in the championship and continuing a standout run of form that now includes three straight first-place finishes.
Co-owner Anthony Johnston said the team was firing on all cylinders today: "We had a really tidy race, our lay lines were great, and Max Deckers, our new navigator, did a great job. Anthony Nossiter was steering and did a great job as well."
Johnston credited the team behind the scenes for URM Group's pace and reliability this season after dismasting in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: "Credit to our boat captain, Marcus Ashley-Jones, who made sure we found a rig quickly, worked with North Sails on a new wardrobe, and kept the whole programme moving. We've now finished with three firsts, so it's great to see our action plan working. Where we are now compared to the start of the season, that was our target."
Line Honours shake-up as LawConnect ends Master Lock Comanche's streak
In the second passage race of the day, LawConnect broke Master Lock Comanche's string of Line Honours victories, capitalising on a stronger, cleaner start than yesterday's shut-out.
LawConnect managed the race from start to finish, protecting her lane and never allowing Master Lock Comanche the opportunity to overtake her nemesis. Forced into a chase, Comanche could not reel back the distance as LawConnect controlled the race from ahead.
It marks a significant Line Honours result heading into tomorrow's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge. The question remains, can LawConnect extend their momentum?
Looking ahead: SOLAS Big Boat Challenge
Tomorrow the fleet takes to Sydney Harbour for the iconic SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, the finale of the 2025 Australian Maxi Championship.
The early forecast shows 6-9 knots from the ENE, though navigators are watching closely.
With enough heat, the sea breeze may fill earlier; however, navigator Andy Green noted that if the breeze delays, "we could be in for a light reach-a-thon."
Either way, the stage is set for a blockbuster Harbour showdown.
Full results available here.