LIGHTNING STRIKES WILD OATS’ PREPARATIONS
CHAMPION supermaxi Wild Oats has been damaged by a lightning strike while out of the water undergoing final preparations for the Sydney to Hobart.
However, despite damage to her electrics, the 100-footer is still expected to be on the start line on Boxing Day – with help from a friendly rival. The Mark Richards skippered yacht has failed to complete the race the past two years after suffering sail damage in 2015 and damage to a hydraulic ram in 2016.
“I’d like to think that this is the third strike when it comes to bad luck for Wild Oats XI in the Hobart race,” said Richards, who has confirmed the yacht will be on the start line.
“Two years ago the mainsail shredded in a storm, last year the canting keel hydraulic system keel failed, and now we’ve been hit from the heavens.”
On Sunday a bolt of lighting reportedly struck the top of the towering carbon fibre mast, destroying electronic instruments aboard the yacht. It is not known at this stage if there is damage to the yachts rigging.
“It’s a major blow for us on the eve of the big race,” said owner Sandy Oatley.
“However, I’m sure our great team will have everything ready for the start.”