‘A tough few years’: Wild Oats XI claims sweet victory in Sydney to Hobart
Related Story: Wild Oats XI heading for Sydney to Hobart glory after 2017 heartbreak
A year after having victory snatched from its grasp, Wild Oats XI has pulled off a stunning line honours win in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Key points:
- Wild Oats XI snatched the lead from Comanche before sunrise and pulled ahead as the pack moved into the River Derwent home stretch
- The family-owned super maxi crossed the line first last year, but was handed a one-hour penalty after a near collision with Comanche, which was ultimately awarded 2017 line honours
- Black Jack came in 28 minutes behind the leader, followed by Comanche, and InfoTrack
Wild Oats XI seized the lead from Comanche early this morning in a tactical masterstroke and held on throughout the tight race up the River Derwent to cross the line first in a time of one day, 19 hours, 7 minutes and 21 seconds.
It is the New South Wales-based super maxi's ninth line honours victory, and comes after one of the closest races in the event's history.
Last year, Wild Oats XI also crossed the line first, but a penalty following an incident at the start of the race saw the victory handed to Comanche.
In a post on the team's Facebook page, Wild Oats XI said it had been a "tough few years for us", with the team's hopes dashed by early retirements in 2015 and 2016, and the death of owner Bob Oatley in 2016.
"What a win. We've done it! Never before in the 74-year history of this race have four maxis battled it out like this throughout the race and in the Derwent," the team said.
Wild Oats XI said they wished Comanche, Black Jack and InfoTrack "the best as they continue to battle it out behind us".
"We look forward to seeing you on Constitution Dock!"
The team also congratulated skipper Mark Richards and "our extraordinary crew who worked tirelessly to achieve this incredible win".
"It's been a tough few years for us but today we've made history."
As Comanche led the group of four down the Tasmanian east coast overnight, Wild Oats XI took a more easterly track, swinging in and sailing past the challengers before sunrise.
The move paid off, with the super maxi swinging in and snatching the front as the yachts prepared to round Tasman Island.
Tasmanian-owned yacht Alive is in front for handicap honours.
New South Wales yacht Calypso has retired due to steering issues, further reducing the field of 85 to 80.
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