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Great racing deserves terrific images by Andrea Francolini

by John Curnow 28 Dec 2017 07:03 AEDT
The new bow section of Wild Oats XI, as her crew work on the foredeck with her Solent powering her along © Andrea Francolini

it is little wonder that Andrea Francolini said 'What a finish!' when he turned in this gallery of sensational images from the Line Honours battle in the 2017 RSHYR. Well done, pal. Great work.

The Organ Pipes, the sun from the right angle and all the sponsors' branding showing the correct way. What are the odds? - photo © Andrea Francolini
The Organ Pipes, the sun from the right angle and all the sponsors' branding showing the correct way. What are the odds? - photo © Andrea Francolini

When you are talking 100 feet, the sails are not only big, but heavy, so a lot of the crew are required to move them. - photo © Andrea Francolini
When you are talking 100 feet, the sails are not only big, but heavy, so a lot of the crew are required to move them. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Savouring the moment for Mark Richards. - photo © Andrea Francolini
Savouring the moment for Mark Richards. - photo © Andrea Francolini

On her way to winning - Wild Oats XI - photo © Andrea Francolini
On her way to winning - Wild Oats XI - photo © Andrea Francolini

Wild Oats XI Skipper Mark Richards with Val Oatley, matriarch of the Oatley family. - photo © Andrea Francolini
Wild Oats XI Skipper Mark Richards with Val Oatley, matriarch of the Oatley family. - photo © Andrea Francolini

LtoR: Val Oatley, Patrick Boutellier, CEO of Rolex Australia, John Markos, Comodore fo CYCA, Mark Richards, skipper, and Sandy Oatley, owner of Wild Oats XI. - photo © Andrea Francolini
LtoR: Val Oatley, Patrick Boutellier, CEO of Rolex Australia, John Markos, Comodore fo CYCA, Mark Richards, skipper, and Sandy Oatley, owner of Wild Oats XI. - photo © Andrea Francolini

A delighted crew of Wild Oats XI. - photo © Andrea Francolini
A delighted crew of Wild Oats XI. - photo © Andrea Francolini

LDV Comanche in a beam of sunlight, as Wild Oats XI begins to rein her in. - photo © Andrea Francolini
LDV Comanche in a beam of sunlight, as Wild Oats XI begins to rein her in. - photo © Andrea Francolini

LDV Comanche was first into the River Derwent, but was overhauled by the skinnier Wild Oats XI in the soft breeze. - photo © Andrea Francolini
LDV Comanche was first into the River Derwent, but was overhauled by the skinnier Wild Oats XI in the soft breeze. - photo © Andrea Francolini

If you don't ever get to do it, this image will at least show you why so many go back each year... - photo © Andrea Francolini
If you don't ever get to do it, this image will at least show you why so many go back each year... - photo © Andrea Francolini

In the river on the way to Hobart and Wild Oats XI begins to overtake LDV Comanche - photo © Andrea Francolini
In the river on the way to Hobart and Wild Oats XI begins to overtake LDV Comanche. Note crewman on the first spreader looking for breeze. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Spectators amass as Wild Oats XI and LDV Comanche head for the finish. - photo © Andrea Francolini
Spectators amass as Wild Oats XI and LDV Comanche head for the finish. - photo © Andrea Francolini

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