Racing to Hobart

Four former line honours winners are in contention for one of the greatest prizes in international yachting this year in the 73rd Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

In light conditions of only 10 to 12 knots on Sydney Harbour, a clean start saw eight time winner, Wild Oats XI uncharacteristically across the start line well back from the other supermaxis, but quickly gain ground as the fleet headed for Sydney Heads. That she was fit and ready to compete is a relief after a lightening strike only a week ago caused anxious moments for owners, the Oatley family.

In front of a massive spectator fleet, Black Jack, skippered by Mark Bradford was first off the line, just ahead of LDV Comanche (skipper Jim Cooney) with Jimmy Spithill at the helm. These two major contenders set the pace early on, the lighter conditions suiting Black Jack, beating LDV Comanche to the first turning marker before easing ahead of the fleet and setting the pace as she headed for open water.

Wild Oats XI, with skipper Mark Richards at the helm, chased down the front runners for the run out of the Harbour.Wild Oats X, skippered by Troy Tindill also had a strong start, not far back from the first three, with last year’s race winner and record holder Infotrack (formerly Perpetual Loyal) not happy in the light conditions, but keeping the frontrunners in sight.

Conditions for the race are expected to remain mild, with winds building across Bass Strait, and a close finish expected. Any one of the ‘big four’ could win, although the lighter conditions are said to favour Wild Oats XI and Black Jack with their narrower hulls, compared to LDV Comanche which measures a massive seven metres across the stern.

Before the start of the race, Wild Oats XI tactician, Iain Murray, said that this year’s race would perhaps be his most challenging to date and that it was too close to call between the ‘big four’.

Early predictions were that the race record, which stands at one day, 13 hours 31 minutes and 20 seconds set by Perpetual Loyal last year, could fall, but unless winds improve, that seems unlikely.

With all of the 102 yachts safely out of the Heads and on their way south, Black Jack initially held a commanding lead over Wild Oats XI in second with LDV Comanche lurking in third. But now out in open water with a strengthening breeze, LDV Comanche has shown her speed, taking the lead ahead of Wild Oats XI in second with Black Jack now relegated to third.