Sisterships vie for Hobart handicap
by Jim Gale on 28 Dec 2005
SAILING - Rolex Sydney to Hobart 2005 - Sydney (AUS) - 26/12/05 - Photo: Andrea Francolini - CHIEFTAIN Aviva Ocean Racing
http://www.avivaoceanracing.com
Two new sister ships, Chieftain and Living Doll, are engaged in a fascinating battle for handicap honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
They are each new Cookson 50s, designed by New Zealander Bruce Farr. Chieftain is owned by Irish property developer Gerard O’Rourke; Living Doll by Michael Hiatt of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.
They each had successful lead-up regattas to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, Chieftain finished fifth in the Hamilton Island series and Living Doll sixth in the race from Sydney to the Gold Coast.
They are currently converging on the Tasmanian north-east coast, having separated north of Flinders Island last night after sailing identical courses for most of the race.
This morning, computer projections give Chieftain the edge and a three hour buffer over line honours winner Wild Oats XI. She would win the race if she finishes by midnight tonight.
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