Another Hobart success for the crew of Wild Oats XI
by Rob Mundle on 16 Mar 2015
Cause for celebration. Crew from Bob Oatley’s supermaxi, Wild Oats XI, arrive at the traditional “watering hole” for Rolex Sydney Hobart Race competitors, the Customs House Hotel, to celebrate the end of the Variety Cycle charity ride from Sydney to Hobart. Rob Mundle
A team comprising seven crew members of Bob Oatley’s record-breaking supermaxi, Wild Oats XI, completed their most arduous ever Sydney Hobart challenge at the weekend when they rode into Hobart.
This was a challenge with a difference. Whereas they took under two days in 2012 to set a record for the 1160 kilometre Rolex Sydney Hobart race course, they had taken 15 days this time and covered almost twice the distance before reaching the finish.
It was for a good reason and a good cause: the boys were taking part in the Variety Cycle from Sydney to Hobart, a charity event established by the Variety Club to raise money for sick and disadvantaged children in Australia.
Led by cyclist and veteran Sydney-Hobart race competitor, Steve 'Mothy' Jarvin, the Wild Oats XI team had every reason to celebrate when they completed the final stage from Port Arthur: they were the most successful team in the fund-raising effort, having collected almost $50,000 for the charity. Additionally, 'Mothy' was the second highest individual fund-raiser.
Jarvin and two other Wild Oats XI crew members, Nathan Ellis and Bryce Rutherford, rode the entire distance from Sydney while four others flew to Hobart to support them on the final leg.
Not surprisingly, once they reached the finish they did what tens of thousands of yachties have done at the end of the Hobart race over the past 70 years: they got back on their bikes and went straight to the legendary Customs House hotel on the dock-front to quench a very demanding thirst.
The team also took time to toast one of Wild Oats XI’s sponsors, Audi, which was 'on board' for the Variety Cycle by supplying support vehicles.
With the Variety Cycle having taken them from sea level to near the summit of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, which stands at 1545 metres, 'Mothy', Nathan and Bryce agreed they were looking forward to this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart race because it will be a lot easier than the bike ride.
Anyone still wishing to support the Wild Oats XI team with a donation click
here.
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