Sydney to Hobart: Supermaxis lead early as bluewater classic gets underway
Updated
The 73rd Sydney to Hobart yacht race has begun on Sydney Harbour, as expectations rise of a new race record.
The four supermaxi contenders for the race — LDV Comanche, Wild Oats XI, last year's line honours winner InfoTrack (formerly Perpetual LOYAL) and Black Jack — were all at or near the front after the start in overcast conditions at 1:00pm AEDT.
There was lighter winds on the harbour at the start, but race favourite Comanche was out early with Black Jack, and InfoTrack in third followed by Beau Geste. Wild Oats XI was a little further back after a slowish start.
Skipper Mark Bradford on Black Jack held Comanche out from tacking, to stop their rivals from getting clear air.
At the first mark, it was Black Jack leading Comanche, with Wild Oats XI coming into third, about a minute behind.
With solid winds expected, those on all the leading boats have tipped a race record, beating last year's winning mark of one day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds.
More to come.
Topics: sport, other-sports, sailing, sydney-2000, nsw, hobart-7000, tas, australia
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