Near collision marks start of Sydney to Hobart race
sydney — Supermaxi LDV Comanche led the fancied big boats as the gruelling Sydney to Hobart race began Tuesday, after a close call that saw the yacht almost collide with rival Wild Oats XI.
Another supermaxi, Black Jack, had led the fleet out of Sydney Harbour, with the vessels chasing a new race record amid “dream” conditions in the annual dash down Australia’s east coast. Four 100-footer supermaxis are among the 102 entries in the 73rd edition of the 628-nautical mile (1,163-kilometre) bluewater classic, viewed as one of the toughest yacht races in the world.
The large boats benefited from the light east to south-easterly winds as they sped out of the harbour in the spectacular Boxing Day launch to the event. Black Jack was followed by Wild Oats and Comanche, with the pair sparking early drama after almost colliding. The Mark Richards-skippered Wild Oats appeared to tack too close to its rival near the exit to Sydney Heads. Comanche, helmed by Jim Cooney, is set to lodge a formal protest.
Under the race rules, it must be filed within six hours of the finishing time of the protesting boat.
The Race Committee, within six hours of receiving the complaint, will then arrange a time and place for the hearing. Comanche took over the lead as the vessels tracked down the coast of New South Wales state, ahead of Wild Oats and super-yacht InfoTrack, with Black Jack behind them. This year’s race has also attracted a record-equalling 27 internationals including from China, France, the United States and Italy. —
102 Entries in the 73rd edition of the event