Rolex Sydney Hobart - Just like the brochure

by Rob Kothe on 26 Dec 2008
Four hours after the start of the 64th annual Rolex Sydney to Hobart race and so far the conditions are exactly as the printed brochure, with sunny skies and a building north easterly sea breeze powering the fleet south.

At the front of the fleet there is a closer battle than expected between Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats XI and Grant Wharington’s Skandia.

While Wild Oats XI, the almost unbackable line honours favourite surged past the seamark ahead of Skandia, the 2003 Hobart winner made good gains on the inside then gybed outside Wild Oats XI and has closed up on the leader.

The latest from Adrienne Cahalan, as the two leader pass Kiama, has just lengths between the boats, now sailing in 22 knots of north north easterly breeze.

Vying for third place is the Mark Bradford helmed Reichel Pugh 66, Black Jack in similar breeze, with CYCA Commodore Matt Allen’s Volvo 70 Ichi Ban more seawards.

Behind them Stephen Ainsworth's RP 62 Loki is on her hip and inside her is Alan Brierty’s sistership Limit.

Doing very well at this early stage is Ray Robert’s Cookson 50 Quantum Racing. Her closest handicap rival is Geoff Ross’ Yendys and she beat her out of the harbour and headed wide.

Quantum Racing is the widest of the fleet and is sailing in more pressure and with more positive current than the boats insider her. She has the TP 52 fleet in her pocket, they are two to three miles behind her at this stage.

More news as it happens.

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