At 10 years old the Australian Wild Oats XI has affirmed its status as the country’s best performing ocean racing yacht, taking out a record eighth Sydney To Hobart race win on Sunday afternoon.
According to Fairfax, the Bob Oatley-owned supermaxi fended off competition from brand-new American entry Comanche who held the lead on Saturday morning, but Wild Oats XI took over and crossed the finish line first at 3.03pm Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a miracle – an absolute miracle. It’s just about (the sweetest victory), but they’re all sweet,” said Oatley shortly after the finish. The yacht’s unofficial winning time was 2 days, 2 hours and 3 minutes, outside its own 2012 race record of 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds.
Wild Oats won its fist Sydney to Hobart race back in 2005. Oatley affirmed that his yacht would be back next year and they’ll be pushing for more victories in the future. “I wouldn’t dream of it (replacing her),” he said.
The remaining yachts in the race are now battling tough conditions as they attempt to reach the finish line intact. The weather bureau has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south-east Tasmania, with a front approaching Hobart with threatening damaging winds and large hailstones, reports the ABC.
