Rolex Sydney Hobart- Images of Wild Oats XI Finish by Crosbie Lorimer
by Crosbie Lorimer on 28 Dec 2014
On the rail and heading for the finish. Crosbie Lorimer
http://www.crosbielorimer.com
Wild Oats XI entered the Derwent River some forty minutes ahead of Comanche at the Iron Pot and gybed her way up river in a 5-10 knot southeaster, in bright sunshine and crystal clear light to take a record breaking eighth line honours win in this race at 3.03pm this afternoon.
The size of spectator fleet that accompanied Wild Oats XI and the crowds on the dock were much the largest ever seen for this seventy year old race. It seems only the French can beat Tasmanians for the size of crowds at a yacht race finish.
When asked on the dockside whether his boat would be back again for another tilt at Line Honours, owner Bob Oatley confirmed that it would indeed, 'for the ninth, tenth and beyond'!
It's hard to believe that there are many more modifications left to add more speed to this ever-winning 10 year old boat, but mainsheet trimmer Steve 'Mothy' Jarvin said today that they still had a few ideas up their sleeves. Another foil? I asked, the question eliciting a wide grin and a shrug of the shoulders, but no response!
Forty nine minutes and fourteen seconds after Wild Oats XI finished, Comanche crossed the line.
Here are some of Crosbie Lorimer's first images of Wild Oats' finish. More to come.
(Word is just in that Giacomo has been dismasted, all crew reported safe).
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