US super maxi Comanche took an impressive early lead in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, speeding down Australia’s east coast with favorite Wild Oats XI, seeking a ninth line honors victory, trailing in second place.
Under blustery skies, Wild Oats XI briefly took the lead in the minutes after the starting siren at 1pm, but the Ken Read-skippered Comanche quickly exploited northeasterly winds to lead out of Sydney Harbour, well ahead of the Australian yacht and other leading challengers.
Comanche’s start paralleled last year’s race, when they also took an early lead, but were unable to hold off the Mark Richards-helmed Wild Oats XI.
Photo: Reuters
As the leaders headed down the New South Wales coast, Wild Oats XI was hanging on to second place, with Rambler in third.
Forecasts are for strong southerly winds later in the afternoon, which might favor Comanche.
More than 100 yachts lined up for the start of Australia’s premier blue-water yacht race, now in its 71st year, including the first entrants from China.
Covering approximately 630 nautical miles (1,167km) of the Tasman Sea and notoriously treacherous Antarctic Ocean, the annual race is Australia’s premier yachting event and among the world’s most grueling.
Weather forecasts were for a southerly with thunderstorms and gusts faster than 30 knots (55.6kph), before conditions ease today. Several leading sporting figures are among the crews, including former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke.
Wild Oats XI owner Robert Oatley put the yacht through a three-month refit this year, with a 10m section cut off the bow and a new longer section fitted, along with modifications to the stern, hull and sails.
However, yachting experts say it faces a tough challenge from Comanche, regarded as one of the world’s most advanced yachts.
The leaders are expected to cross the finishing line in Hobart, the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, tomorrow.
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