Please select your home edition
Edition
Navico AUS Zeus3S LEADERBOARD

Hamilton Island RW: Wild Oats XI comes from behind on Day 5

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz NZ 24 Aug 2018 23:33 AEST 25 August 2018
All concentration on Wild Oats XI as she chases Black Jack - Hamilton Island Race Week - Day 5 © Richard Gladwell

The three larger divisions headed offshore for another race around the Whitsunday Islands sailing a six leg course in a light easterly breeze of 8kts which faded as the race progressed. Principal Race Officer, Denis Thompson produced two more course charts this morning bringing the available course options to a total of 42 for Hamilton Island Race Week.

Black Jack and Wild Oats XI got away to an even start towards the pin end, with Black Jack to windward and the smaller TP52's and Alive (60ft) between them and the Committee vessel, and the TP52 Balance to leeward.

After initially controlling Black Jack, the nine times Sydney Hobart winner Wild Oats XI dropped her rival as the fleet headed away from the start line on starboard tack, but let the Brisbane supermaxi back into the race when they came back on port tack.

Around the first and only laid mark of the 25.8nm course, Black Jack led once again in the light winds and stretched away on the second leg between Pentecost Island and Hamilton Island.

However as they turned into Whitsunday Passage the wind lightened further allowing the lead to swap back and forth before Wild Oats XI, ably navigated by MAPFRE's Juan Vila was able to break through, after a short luffing match. This time without protest and sailed away to win by just over a minute.

Behind the Reichel Pugh 66, Alive finished third, with the 52fters finishing in rating order.

The series concludes tomorrow, with easterly breezes again being forecast.

for full results clickhere

Related Articles

Hamilton Island Race Week Olympic sailing showcase
40th anniversary celebrations are hotting up Hamilton Island Race Week's 40th anniversary celebrations are hotting up, with more than 160 entries confirmed for the annual sailing regatta to be contested from 16-23 August in the glorious Whitsunday Islands. Posted on 26 Jun
Bumper fleet expected at Hamilton Island Race Week
Numbers are climbing quickly for the milestone 40th running of the event Two Australian sailing drawcards are expected to generate bumper fleets and an increased international presence when Hamilton Island Race Week in August marks 40 years and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in December marks 80. Posted on 14 Mar
Great racing for all at Hamilton Island Race Week
Winner of IRC Rating Division Rating Gold in NM Classic Long Race was 2006 Reichel Pugh 66 Alive Hamilton Island Race Week never disappoints, and this year's Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic races provided a thrilling day of racing for competitors. Posted on 29 Aug 2024
39th Hamilton Island Race Week Comes to a Close
Match racing finishes pushing right to the end in multiple divisions The final day of on water action at Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 pushed all the way to the wire, with match racing finishes pushing right to the end in multiple divisions as placings remained in contention across all divisions. Posted on 25 Aug 2024
Women at the top at Hamilton Island Race Week 2024
Rhumb Runna competing in the Trailable Yacht Division, features an all female crew of locals The 39th Edition of Hamilton Island Race Week has marked an increase in female representation in key roles on boats, from skippers to navigators and plenty of female crew out on the water. Posted on 23 Aug 2024
Hamilton Island Race Week Prix d'Elegance
All styles and sizes on show ahead of day four racing Day four of racing started in style this morning with the annual Hamilton Island Race Week Prix d'Elegance. Posted on 22 Aug 2024
Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 Day 3
Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic creates Mini Maxi Match Race It was an early start for the IRC Divisions on day three of Hamilton Island Race Week, with the Nautilus Marine insurance Classic Long & Medium Races on the schedule commencing from 0915. Posted on 20 Aug 2024
HIRW 2024 - Bow Caddy Media images and Video
The breeze began to find its mojo on Day Two, with 12-15 knots from the Sou'east on offer The breeze began to find its mojo on Day Two of Hamilton Island Race Week, with a consistent 12-15 knot Sou'easter building by late morning. Posted on 19 Aug 2024
Luck of the Irish at Hamilton Island Race Week
There is also a boat from Ireland, named Ri-Ra, skippered by brothers Hugh and Patrick Blaney Boats from all eight Australian states and territories, ranging in size from the 100ft Super Maxi 'Wild Thing 100' to the smallest yacht, a 20.6ft Sonata 6.3 'Norbert G' skippered by Ghigo Casalini. Posted on 19 Aug 2024
Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 Day 1
The 164 boats split into twelve divisions for racing Hamilton Island Race Week officially opened with a bang last night, marked with fireworks at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Yacht Owners and Skippers Welcome Cocktail Party. Posted on 18 Aug 2024
Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS FooterCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range