Sydney to Hobart: Sun Hung Kai Scallywag captain David Witt hopes for first victory in blue water classic on his 25th attempt

David Witt is hoping to put 24 years of heartbreak behind him when he captains Hong Kong-owned super maxi Sun Hung Kai Scallywag in next week’s Sydney to Hobart race – one of the world’s most famous blue-water classics.

Covid-19 travel restrictions mean Witt has had to go on a recruiting binge over the past few weeks, signing up experienced crew members for the 630 nautical mile journey from Sydney to the capital of Tasmania.

In the 2019 edition, Scallywag was leading for a large portion of the race but suffered damage to its rudder after a collision with a shark. It slowed down dramatically and finished fourth.

“This is a iconic race to try to win,” Witt told the Post. “It’s my 25th trip. Hopefully this year we can come up with the goods and I can repay all the support I’ve had over the years especially from [Scallywag owner] Lee Seng Huang and from Sun Hung Kai Scallywag.

“We have, because of Covid-19 restrictions, had to introduce some new crew members but when you look across the field, we have the most experienced crew out of the three main competitors.

“Guys that haven’t sailed with us before have done with other 100-footers and the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race. So I think across the board, our crew ability and experience is probably our greatest strength.” Witt was visibly upset in 2019 when Scallywag missed the chance to give him his first line honours in the Sydney to Hobart.