Sydney Hobart: Wild Oats XI retired

Sydney, Australia (December 26, 2015) – Record holding eight time Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race line honours victor, Wild Oats XI, has retired from the race after reporting a torn mainsail. The Mark Richards skippered crew is returning to Sydney. No further details are available at this stage.

Shortly after 10.10pm, local time, the news was received that Pierre Gal’s CEX Dolce had broken her mast and was also returning to Sydney. All on board both yachts are safe.

The front half of the fleet in the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s 628 nautical mile race was feeling the brunt of a stiff southerly, with Ichi Ban’s navigator, Will Oxley, reporting gusts of up to 43 knots . The southerly will filter to the smaller yachts during the night.

Further updates will be made available when more is known.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the live stream of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race start was unable to be broadcast internationally. We apologise for any inconvenience and frustration that this has caused international followers.

To replay the race start, please CLICK HERE

By Di Pearson, RSHYR media

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Background: The 71st edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts December 26 in Sydney Harbor, taking an entry list of 109 boats along the 628 nautical mile course to Hobart that is often described as the most grueling long ocean race in the world.