Sydney Hobart – Pan. Pan. Denali
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 26 Dec 2021 03:42 PST
Gweilo heads into the offshore swell © Crosbie Lorimer/Bow Caddy Media
Concern for structural integrity of the TP52's hull has other competitors aiming to get to her aid
Casualties mount in the 2021 Sydney Hobart race. The Judel/Vrolijk penned, King Marine built vessel, Denali, is in real trouble. Fellow TP52 Gweilo also retires, taking the tally so far to 13 craft. Enchantress is the latest, taking it to 14 craft.
Latest HF Radio feeds - 'Oskana to Denali, Denali told Oskana crack is through the hull, boat is stable appreciate if you could stand by, Oskana heading to position around five miles away.' Denali also asking the impaired Gweilo for help, 'Gweilo explains that rig is not stable enough but call if urgent assistance required.' Gweilo is also much further away...
Oskana now 1NM away and life rafts are prepped on Denali in case.
0011hrs 27/12/21 - Denali heading for Port Kembla, Damage to boat continuing to get worse. All hands on deck because of damage to hull. Oskana accompanying them.
Others already gone from the race - Ariel, Blink, Mako, Mille Sabords, Minerva, Moneypenny, Nautical Circle, No Limit, TSA Management, URM, White Noise, and Zen.
You'll note there a lot of carbon fliers in that group. At least seven retirements are due to mainsail damage.
The Class40 Eora is the latest to retire, making it 15 and counting....