Wild Oats XI and Lohana set to compete at the Jeanneau King of Derwent – Sailing news
Two of the world’s famous super maxis, Wild Oats XI and Lohana, will be competing against each other for the first time in their 33-year history. Both yachts will contest at the Jeanneau King of Derwent race, one of the famous events in Hobart, on River
Derwent waters.
Both 100-footer maxis also participated in the recently finished 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, where they finished on second and third podium spots, respectively. The teams raced in four ocean races in Hobart last week; Optus Launceston to Hobart,
the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the Westcoaster and the Eastcoaster and the Heemskirk Melbourne to Hobart races.
Some local boats will also join the two super maxis in King of Derwent. These yachts include the fast Farr 40s Voodoo Chile and POW along with former KOD winner, Invincible. The Tasmanian yacht Whistler, second podium finisher in IRC division at the conclusion
of Sydney Hobart Race, will also be in the line-up beside veteran, Wild Rose.
Speaking to the local media at the announcement of race, Commodore of Derwent Sailing Club, Ron Bugg said, “We are delighted that Wild Oats XI and Lahana have elected to stay on in Hobart after the end of the Rolex Sydney Hobart so that Tasmanians and visitors
can see these super-maxi yachts racing in the Jeanneau King of the Derwent.”
On the other hand, Wild Oats XI’s owner, Bob Oatley said, “In recent years we have had to do a rapid turnaround after the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race and head home so we could contest other events, but this year we want to stay for the King of the Derwent
and really enjoy ourselves.”
Oatley added that he has been coming to Hobart from many years because of the mega event and people here have greeted him with their utmost love and respect.
The King of the Derwent race is the final leg of both Sovereign and Salamanca Series, organised by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, and Tasports Combined Launceston to Hobart/King of the Derwent Series, organised by the Derwent Sailing Squadron.
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