Protest Overshadows New Sydney-Hobart Records

WILD OATS XI SET A NEW COURSE RECORD IN THE 73RD running of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart race, knocking nearly five hours off the previous mark. But the skipper and crew aboard the supermaxi barely had time to celebrate the win.

- Alan Littell

Race organizers stripped Wild Oats of line honors following a protest by initial runner-up Comanche. The protest stemmed from a near collision between the two yachts shortly after departing Sydney, Australia, the day before.

An international jury cited Wild Oats for failing to keep clear while tacking, Reuters reported. The panel issued a one-hour penalty against Wild Oats, which completed the 629nm course in one day, eight hours, 48 minutes and 50 seconds — some 26 minutes ahead of Comanche.

Wild Oats’ adjusted time was one day, nine hours, 48 minutes and 50 seconds, roughly 33 minutes behind Comanche, with a time of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

The penalty caused some controversy that spilled into social media, with some believing Wild Oats’ maneuver was legal and others suggesting the vessel made a clear error.