Supermaxi yacht, Wild Oats XI, has been forced to retire from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race with a torn mainsail. Early reports indicate that the sail tore in half when the yacht was hit by a 40 knot squall that accompanied a southerly change off the NSW south coast. The yacht is returning to Sydney. All crew are safe. For more information, please contact: Rob Mundle Wild Oats XI Media Manager +61 (0)417 323 573 or rob.mundle@bigpond.com  

Bob & Sandy Oatley’s supermaxi, Wild Oats XI, will go to the start of the 71st Rolex Sydney Hobart race tomorrow with two “special weapons” on board – meat pies and the “voodoo stick”. Both are considered to be a vital part of the successful formula  that has seen the 30-metre long, silver-hulled sloop become the most successful yacht to have contested the 628 nautical mile race; one of the world’s three ocean racing classics. “We can’t leave the dock without either good luck charm. They’re important parts of our arsenal” said the yacht’s skipper, Mark Richards, the man who has guided the Wild Oats XI to eight line honours, two handicap victories, and two record times in the Hobart…

After being the centre of attention for four frenetic months, Rolex Sydney Hobart Race record holder, Wild Oats XI, was lying idle at Sydney’s Woolwich Dock this afternoon like a thoroughbred waiting to be called to the start. There was no activity on or around the yacht. Instead the crew and support team were at the start of a two day period of rest, relaxation and Christmas celebrations with family and friends. “We’ve never been this well prepared this early in any one of our ten previous Hobart race campaigns,” said Skipper, Mark Richards. “We’ve ticked every box on the checklist, so now we can enjoy time with our families, wait and watch the evolving weather forecast.” Three days out…