It took a 28th attempt, a new boat and a robust spinnaker for yachtsman Matt Allen to win overall Sydney to Hobart honours with his latest incarnation of Ichi Ban.
The crew of the 52-footer was officially presented with the Tattersall's Cup for handicap winner on Friday, more than a day after docking in Hobart.
Ichi Ban arrived on Thursday morning eighth past the post and one hour ahead of main rival Quest.
But Allen's maiden overall win wasn't without edgy moments.
Ichi Ban, half the size of line honours winner LDV Comanche, broke two spinnakers as it sped down Tasmania's east coast at up to 28 knots.
In its Sydney to Hobart debut, the TP52 took on heavy water as Allen pushed the boat to its limit in windy conditions unlike anything he'd seen.
"Luckily the last one we put up, we designed it to be really, really strong," he said.
"If that had broken, we wouldn't be standing here."
Ichi Ban was locked in a duel with fellow NSW 52-footer Quest but managed to reach the River Derwent first where still conditions all but halted their progress.
"We thought we we're going to lose the race when we were in the Derwent and parked up," Allen said.
They crawled past the line but still broke an 18-year record held by Brindabella for the fastest time by a conventionally-ballasted yacht, which have a fixed keel.
It was then a nervous wait as other boats in contention slowly approached.
But chances Patrice, Concubine and Chutzpah all fell short.
Allen was a crewman aboard Lou Abraham's Challenge II when it won overall honours in 1983 and he finished fifth last year at the helm of a previous version of Ichi Ban.
As skipper he's finished in the top ten five times sailing various yachts under the name Ichi Ban.
"We've spent so much time trying to perfect this race and to finally do it, is just a dream," Allen said.
"Well be back next year to defend and we can't wait."
2017 SYDNEY TO HOBART HANDICAP HONOURS
1. Ichi Ban - NSW
2. Quest - NSW
3. Patrice - NSW
4. Wizard - USA
5. Mascalzone Latino 32 - Italy
6. Smuggler - NSW
7. Concubine - SA
8. Chutzpah - Vic
9. Celestial - NSW
10. Beau Geste - Hong Kong
