Swedes lead yacht race as weather takes toll

December 28, 2000
Web posted at: 8:23 AM HKT (0023 GMT)

By Grant Holloway
CNN Interactive Writer

Swedish maxi yacht Nicorette is leading the Sydney-to-Hobart race after 36 hours of gale force winds and rough seas which have forced 13 boats to retire so far.

The Swedish yacht is battling Australia's 83-footer Wild Thing for line honors in the 630 nautical mile race which is expected to finish early on Friday morning, Australian eastern daylight time.

Early race leaders Shockwave, Brindabella and Xena have already been forced from the race.

The Sydney-to-Hobart race is the highlight of Australia's racing calendar, attracting high profile competitors from around the world and a range of classes of yachts.

Some 50 yachts were crossing Bass Strait, which lies between mainland Australia and Tasmania, at first light this morning, with the latest weather forecast indicating continuing winds of 20 to 30 knots.

Last year's line honors' winner was Nokia, which completed the race in record time.

The pull-outs come in the wake of a damning report into the 1998 race when six men died and another 55 had to be plucked from the sea by helicopter when a hurricane force storm hit the race fleet on December 27, one day after the competition began.

A report from New South Wales State Coroner John Abernethy, released December 13, sharply criticized the race organizers, The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), saying it had “effectively abdicated its responsibility to manage the race".

The coroner recommended sweeping changes to race conditions, including additional safety equipment, new procedures and upgraded life rafts.

Australian yacht race organizers announce inquiry

Sydney to Hobart live

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