Record holding eight time Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race line honours victor, Wild Oats XI, has retired from the race after reporting 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.
Shortly after 10.10pm the news was received that Pierre Gal’s CEX Dolce had broken her mast and was also returning to Sydney. All on board both yachts are safe.
Perpetual Loyal, Dare Devil, St Jude, Takani and the early IRC leader Koa have all retired with rudder damage. Others who are out include the Chinese entry ARK323, Lupa of London, Cougar II, M3, Pazazz, and the veteran Brindabella, which like Wild Oats has sustained mainsail damage.
Further updates will be made available when more is known.
