2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Timing is everything in the Derwent
by Nic Douglass 29 Dec 2018 06:55 GMT
29 December 2018
2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Nic Douglass /
www.AdventuresofaSailorGirl.com
The Derwent can make or break anyone's Rolex Sydney Hobart race, and yesterday was no exception.
As the southerly built to 18+ knots mid afternoon, the two RP66's, Alive Yachting and Wild Oats X - Ocean Respect Racing, came around the Iron Pot within two nautical miles of one another.
Alive Yachting really stretched their legs into Hobart and the finish off Constitution Dock, and with an hour up their sleeve on handicap over Wild Oats X, looked good to take the top spot on Handicap.
I was live with Wild Oats X from the Iron Pot, and into the dock to talk about the amazing Ocean Respect Racing team.
Live with Ocean Respect Racing from the Iron Pot
Live for the dock ins of Ocean Respect Racing
One of the next to cross the line was Winning Appliances, the Carkeek 60 borrowed from Matt Allen. Some great stories out of this crew, including the sibling rivalry between the Spithills, but most importantly, the reason why the Winning family chose to sail the Rolex Sydney Hobart again, and together...
The finishes came in thick and fast overnight, but not first without delays following a shutdown on the Derwent in the evening on the 28 December.
Last year's Tattersall Cup winner, Matt Allen and his crew on Ichi Ban, were leading by two hours when they entered the river, and for the second time in three years watched their lead evaporate.
I was on the dock to talk with Matt last night about their timing in the Derwent, their stellar defence, and what is to come for their year ahead.
Meanwhile, today we await the news from the protest lodged by the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Committee against Wild Oats XI and Alive Yachting sits neatly in the Clubhouse leader spot, looking almost certain to take out the win on IRC.
We will continue to keep you posted on this Great Race.
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