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Cooney Family Sydney to Hobart

Published on: February 2020

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-109823

Cooney Family Sydney to Hobart

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—Neutral Bay locals Jim Cooney, Samantha Grant and James Cooney competed and won one of the toughest ocean races in the world, the 2019 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Aboard one of the supermaxi yachts, Comanche, the Cooney's were a quarter of the crew in this year's Sydney to Hobart. Jim bought Comanche to spend quality time with his family who all share a love of the sport, having raced together in previous Sydney to Hobart events. It was unfortunate that Jim's daughter Julia had to jump ship at the 11th hour due to an Achilles injury, and then having to watch it go on to win one of the biggest prizes in world sailing – a Sydney to Hobart line honours trophy. Throughout the 628 nautical miles race and for one day, eighteen hours, 30 minutes, and twenty four seconds Jim, James and Samantha were able to share the incredible experience of competing as a family on what is now considered the fastest supermaxi in the world. I know the House will join me in congratulating them on this fantastic result.