Investec Loyal beat Wild Oats XI, wins 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – Sailing News
The sixty-seventh 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was a 680 nautical mile competition which began from December 26, 2011.
It was a three day race nearly ninety-nine yachts took part in the hunt to become champions and get a name for themselves. Until December 27, 2011, the second day of the event, Australian team called Wild Oats XI were moving nearly at an equal pace with
the team from New Zealand, called Supermaxi Investec Loyal.
For two days both teams sailed with a close margin looking for a lead. Their efforts were commendable for they did not let their opponent take a decisive lead. With the two sailing teams cruising at top speed, it was evident the third and final day of the
competition would have a close finish. Spectators and yachting enthusiasts had gathered at Hobart harbour to witness the winners cross the finish line.
With Hobart harbour jam packed with spectators, both the Australian and New Zealand yacht teams were literally fighting for the first place. Heavy winds and waves were in their way reducing their momentum but neither of the two falter back. On the second
day of the race, the Wild Oats XI were the winner of the round and maintained their position as the favourites.
They were looking for a sixth title win as they have won five editions of the Sydney Hobart Race. They won three consecutive competitions in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 followed by their win in 2010. They are the only yachting team in the history of the competition
to win more than three titles. They had their seventh victory in sight but Investec Loyal clinched a narrow win to become the winners of the sixty-seventh edition of the race.
The last day of the competition was held on December 28, 2011 which went in favour of the New Zealanders. Investec Loyal had finished day two at second place but they did take a momentary lead on day two which certainly would have stopped the Australian’s
heartbeat. Around noon on the final day of the race, Investec Loyal used the air pressure and teamwork to finally take a lead against Wild Oats XI. The Australian were unfortunate as Investec Loyal won with a minimum margin of 4 seconds.
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