Less than one week to deadline as super-maxi Wild Oats XI joins list

• NEWS
• 28 Oct, 2005 11:09:00 AM

Less than one week to deadline as super-maxi Wild Oats XI joins list

Bob Oatley’s new 30m Wild Oats XI is among the latest applications for entry in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and, while the yacht is yet to be launched, there are big expectations from the Reichel Pugh designed super-maxi.

Bob Oatley’s new 30m Wild Oats XI is among the latest applications for entry in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and, while the yacht is yet to be launched, there are big expectations from the Reichel Pugh designed super-maxi.

Oatley is aiming for Line Honours not only in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, but also in the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Race.

Wild Oats XI will enjoy a top-notch crew including international navigator Adrienne Cahalan, America’s Cup and world match racing champion Mark Richards, former America’s Cup skipper Iain Murray, Olympian Steve Jarvin, international sailors Gary Wiseman, Ian Smith, Alby Pratt and Robby Naismith.  Between them, the crew has sailed approximately 100 Rolex Sydney Hobart races.

Cahalan will fly to Sydney from Cape Town after navigating Brasil 1 (Brazil) in the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to navigate Wild Oats XI to Hobart, then make a dash back to Cape Town to join Brasil 1 for the second leg to Melbourne, starting 2 January.

Such calibre of talent and experience, combined with a design that incorporates canting ballast technology* could see Oatley fulfil his goal in a race that looks likely to set a new Line Honours record if the weather plays its part.

As there are no limitations on the degree to which canting keels can swing to each side, the height of rigging or the size of sails in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart, high speeds are expected from the super-maxis and maxis. 

Wild Oats XI, Hugo Boss and Alfa Romeo (whose mast reaches 42.2m above the deck) are among yachts with canting keels nominated to date in the race.   However, with applications for entry open until 5.00pm on Friday 4 November, there could be several more big, fast boats lining up on Boxing Day.

Other recently received applications for entry include Sean Langman’s AAPT (Sydney Amateur Sailing Club/Newcastle Yacht Club), Flying Fish BMS (Sydney Amateur Sailing Club), John Walker’s Impeccable (Middle Harbour Yacht Club), Namadgi (Canberra Ocean Racing Club), Aurora (Lake Macquarie Yacht Club) and winner of this year’s Flinders Islet offshore race, the 35 year old Stormy Petrel (Cruising Yacht Club Australia).

Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Geoff Lavis, said the fleet was again shaping up well with a good mix of smaller boats and medium size boats that embody the tradition and nature of the event. International entries include three New Zealand boats and a Swedish crew. The race is full of sailing enthusiasts who undertake the challenge every year and new boats and sailors eager to experience this iconic ocean race.

“The mix of boat sizes, crew experience, nationalities and ages is what makes the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race so special,” said Commodore Lavis.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will start at 1.20pm on 26 December 2005.  The Rolex Trophy One-Design Series will be held 10-12 December, the Big Boat Challenge will be held on 13 December and the Rolex Trophy Rating Series will be held 15-18 December.