Wild Oats XI – In a class of her own – Credit ROLEX/Daniel Forster
Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats XI has done it again, and in claiming Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race line honours for an eighth time at 15.03.26 hours today, in the time of two days two hours three minutes and 26 seconds, goes down in the race’s 70 year history as the only yacht to ever achieve this amazing feat.
Wild Oats XI has outdone the efforts of Morna/Kurrewa IV, the holder of seven line honours titles during the 1950’s and her last in 1960.
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After a revealing start in which Comanche left the rest of the fleet in its wake, Mark Richards and his crew persevered to the end, Comanche chasing her and narrowing the gap to 10 nautical miles at Tasman Island, as Ken Read and the crew on the American yacht did all they could to overtake the Mark Richards skippered Wild Oats XI.
A riveting Sydney Harbour start to the race as Wild Oats XI chased Comanche, to an equally riveting finish where the roles were reversed as Wild Oats XI went into overdrive in the light airs of Bass Strait and overtook their quarry.
Despite reports of soft winds, Wild Oats XI made good time up the Derwent, her spinnaker full and boat speed between 12 and 16 knots, while Comanche was averaging 14-15
Richards was all smiles as CYCA commodore John Cameron handed him the champagne and presented him with the J.H. Illingworth trophy. All thoughts of the start when he remarked “look at that thing go,” were forgotten.
“The boys did a wonderful job in overcoming Comanche which led for the first night. I can’t believe I’m standing here today,” Richards said.
“To win a Hobart is a great honour, but to win line honours for an eighth time – I’m so proud.”
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Dignified in defeat, Comanche’s owner, Jim Clark, said: “Wild Oats and Mark Richards ran one hell of a race and it’s a really excellent boat. Disappointed we got stuck in that high pressure system, but they managed to sneak through it. And you’ve got to give them credit, that’s the nature of that boat, they’ve got the balance.
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Meanwhile, in the handicap fleet, 29′ Maluka of Kermandie is currently in 104th place for Line Honours and in 1st place for handicap.
In 2006 she was the smallest boat to compete, placing eight overall.
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Unfortunately, New Zealand’s Volvo 70, Giacomo, has been dismasted today while sailing downwind in winds gusting up to 35 knots. They are the 10th boat out of the 117 starters forced to retire. All aboard are safe.
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Look for earlier Hobart posts HERE…
Sailing With Devious, 2014 