Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2010: Bob Oatley’s WILD OATS XI first boat home. Niklas Zennström’s RÁN sixth to cross the finish line in Hobart

What has been touted as one of the toughest Rolex Sydney Hobart Races in recent years, saw the first finisher arrive in Hobart early this evening. The 100-foot super maxi Wild Oats XI blazed up the Derwent River and crossed the finish line off Constitution Wharf at 20:37 AEDT with an elapsed time of two days, seven hours, 37 minutes, 20 seconds, since leaving Sydney Harbour at 13:00 on 26 December, Boxing Day.
This year’s 66th edition was one of Wild Oats Xl physically most difficult but also one of her more hard fought finishes, with sustained periods of headwinds along the way and crushing gale-force conditions through the notorious Bass Strait. In an interview as he stepped off the winning vessel, skipper Mark Richards said: «It was a tough race, no doubt about that. The boat Wild Oats, the boys, and the team did a fantastic job».
The Reichel-Pugh design is the 2010 Line Honours winner. A protest pending was dismissed after deep examination of the International Jury.
After sailing a near perfect tactical race in extremely difficult conditions, with extremes ranging from a hair-removing 25-40 knot southerly and a mountainous seaway during the first night, race favourite Wild Oats XI didn’t disappoint followers. This was Wild Oats XI fifth win after participating in six Rolex Sydney Hobart Races.
IMA member Niklas Zennström’s 72-foot yacht Rán was the sixth boat to cross the finish line in Hobart, on December 29, at 06:22. This was Zennström’s second Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Commenting on the race conditions they encountered this year, Zennström said: «I think I have now definitely seen what the race is all about. It was tough crossing Bass Strait; 35 knots of wind and big seas. The whole experience has been fantastic».

www.regattanews.com