The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is the final offshore quest for any sailor. Known as ‘The Great Race’,the 71st edition of this iconic offshore classic lived up to its name with the most dramatic weather and racing conditions the race has seen in over a decade. Attracting a record number of international entries (28), including the first ever Chinese yachts.
On 26 December, and the fleet of 108 yachts raced out of Sydney’s majestic harbour under an ominous grey sky amidst a plethora (excess, overabundance) of spectator boats,saluted by hundreds of thousands of well-wishers lining the shore. But as night fell, the race began to show its true colours and acquire its toll on the competitors.
The onset of the renowned ‘southerly buster’ brought gale force headwinds and in a matter of minutes the crews were scrambling to react to the 180 degree shift in wind direction and literally battened down the hatches for what would be testing 18 hours.
Over the course of the next two days, and 31 yachts would retire with issues ranging from broken steering systems,torn sails and even structural damage as a result of the constant pummelling through the rough ocean waves.
Corinthian and professional sailors alike were rapid/fast to declare this a ‘true’ Hobart, while saying that these were some of the toughest conditions they had ever faced. Relying solely on each other as they raced down the New South Wales coast, or safety and seamanship was always top of intellect for the determined fleet of more than 1500 participants.
Hometown favourites,the 100 foot maxis Wild Oats XI and Perpetual faithful, were among the casualties of the first night, and dashing their hopes of a line honours win. Bob Oatley’s team limped backed to Sydney after thrashing their mainsail,devastated not to believe been able to add another line honours win to Wild Oats XI’s historic collection of eight titles.
This would bode well for Jim Clark and Kristy Hinze-Clark’s Comanche, the 100 foot maxi which debuted at the 2014 edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. - Full report and vide
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com