Australian Wild Oats XI leads the 2011 Sydney Hobart Race, Investec Loyal at second – Sailing News
The home team of Wild Oats XI is having a close competition with the Investec Loyal team as both are hunting down each other to get a lead. The race began from the Sydney harbour and its finish line is set at Hobart. The 2011 race is a 60 nautical mile race
from Sydney to Hobart. The 67th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race began on December 26, 2011.
Wild Oats XI are five time winner of the Sydney Hobart Race and were hopeful to retain their winning status in 2011. They won the titles in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and in 2010. According to the spokesperson of Wild Oats XI, the team was excited for the event
and look forward to clinch this year’s title.
During the first and second day of the event, the two sailing teams were moving head-to-head. The wind was helping one team take the lead and pressurising the other. Wild Oats XI showed why they were five time champions when they gave an impressive start
to their 2011 campaign and took a distinctive lead.
On December 27, 2011, the win pressure reduced to some extent. This was the moment when rivals Investec Loyal cruised ahead and narrowed their lead, giving them some hope of finishing first. Investec Loyal team used the lighter wind pressure to move out
into the open sea where they were greeted with some gusty winds, giving them the speed they needed to beat the Australian team. Out of the ninety-nine yachts that took part in the race, Wild Oats XI and Investec Loyal are currently at the first and second
place respectively.
According to reports, Wild Oats XI were at second place after their rivals took a lead but on December 28, 2011, the Australian sailing was again in the lead.
Reports came in that the Australian team took the lead by one nautical miles. It is expected that if both the teams keep their lead and use the wind pressure for their advantage, it would be the Wild Oats XI finishing first followed by Investec Loyal. The
third place will be secured b y another Australian team called Lahana.
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