Sydney to Hobart: Wild Oats XI takes line honours for a record-breaking eighth time
ADVERTISEMENTAfter a closely-fought contest, veteran supermaxi Wild Oats XI took line honours for a record eighth time in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
New contender Comanche – skippered by Ken Read – took an early lead out of Sydney. But the American boat was overtaken on Saturday morning (December 27) in a high-pressure ridge in Bass Strait.
Wild Oats XI hung on to the lead, with skipper Mark Richards and navigator Juan Vila guiding her through changing conditions to the Constitution Dock finish.
The 10-year-old, 100-footer crossed the finish line in two days, two hours, three minutes and six seconds.
high-tech newcomer to the competition, Comanche, finished in second place, 49 minutes and 15 seconds behind.