LINE HONORS FOR WILD OATS XI

Clients Neck-And-Neck For the 74th Edition

Wild Oats XI took honours in the 74th Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, in what is one of the closest finishes in race history- with all four-100-footers within sight of eachother leading up to the finishline. This is the ninth time they have been first to finish the 628nm historic race. Wild Oats led the super maxi competitors up the Derwent River, with their competition close behind- nipping at their heels up until they crossed the finish line at 14-knots, in a 8-12 knot southerly. The team finished the race in 1 day, 19 hours, 7 minutes, and 21 seconds, with Peter Harburg’s Black Jack just 28 minutes and 15 seconds behind. North Sails is proud to have powered both Wild Oats XI and Black Jack to the top of the podium.

Mark Richards, skipper of Wild Oats XI knew the team would have a battle on their hands in this race, but were confident before the Boxing Day start.

“It’s not going to be that easy,” remarked Richard’s pre-race. We’ve got some fantastic North Sails this year, they have done a great job with our downwind wardrobe. The boat is going faster than it has ever gone before in downwind conditions. So obviously the forecast is good for us in that regard, but we just can’t wait to get out there and go yachting.”

Congratulations to Wild Oats XI for their well-deserved win, and Black Jack for their podium finish and all the North powered teams who will be crossing the finish line over the next few days.