It was by chance that I was walking past the
harbour in Hobart and spotted a commotion. The morning paper had estimated that
the winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race would cross the finish line about
7pm; but she was early!
It was 3.03pm when Wild Oats passed the marker bouys in the Derwent River and won the 2014 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
This was her record 8th win in 10 years. After leaving Sydney on 26th December
it took her 2 days, 2 hours and 3 minutes to travel 628 nautical miles. She
held out a late challenge from American super-maxi Comanche in its race debut.
Wild Oats mast towered above the other yachts
as she came into the harbour basin. About 50 minutes later Comanche arrived.
Wow, what a big boat!
It was spellbinding to be on the quay watching
the most famous southern hemisphere race fastest craft arrive. You could say we
were "sitting in the dock of the bay with Wild Otis Reading" (cue
music).
Wild Oats and crew receiving a rapturous welcome at Hobart harbour
The Derwent contains a flotilla of boats waiting for the mega yachts to arrive
Second place Comanche arrives, it looks like it might struggle to fit in the harbour
Comanche lead the start of the race but halfway through experiences 12 hours of light winds allowing the sprightly Wild Oats to overtake and just hold on to its lead
The boats dwarf the other yachts and even the buildings around the wharf
She finds a place to moor right next to us on the quay side
Weary bodies finally reach the shore to a very welcoming Tasmanian crowd
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