UNDATED, Dec 27: Race favourite Wild Oats XI was on track to smash their own record for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as they crossed the treacherous Bass Strait on Thursday.
The Mark Richards-skippered super-maxi was being pushed along by strong northerly winds and reaching speeds of 24 knots at 0930 IST with about 240 nautical miles to reach the finish line in Tasmania.
They were about 33 nautical miles ahead of last year’s winner Ragamuffin Loyal.
Wild Oats set the record of one day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds in 2005 when they not only took line honours but also won the overall handicap title as well.
Wild Oats are seeking their sixth victory in the 628-nautical mile blue water classic, though must be wary of Ragamuffin, who reduced a similar-sized gap last year before they were engaged in the tight tacking duel on the Derwent River in the approach to the finish.
Ragamuffin won the race last year by less than three minutes and Wild Oats had retooled their yacht for this year’s race, using a massive new headsail and making modifications to the keel to help them increase speed in lighter winds.
The start of this year’s race on Wednesday had been shrouded in controversy with the exclusion of 2003 line honours winner Wild Thing for failing to provide necessary documentation for modifications to the boat.
(agencies)
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