9th win for Wild Oats XI?

[adwuk]

The Sydney Hobart is nearly here, and after major surgery this year Wild Oats XI is looking even stronger - she was dominant in the SOLAS big boat challenge (replay is here). The strong wind weather forecast looks like if may favour the wider Comanche, who holds the monohull 24 hour record of 618nm (roughly the distance from Sydney to Hobart). At those speeds Comanche could easily break the current record of 1 day and 18 hours. So who would you put your money on?

 

[flaming]

Oats.

History suggests it's always unwise to bet against them.

 

[Birdseye]

Weather dependant

 

[adwuk]

35 to 40 knots of wind from behind for the first night, followed by a lighter wind beat to the finish. I reckon its going to be close, and the odds seem to back that up: http://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/sailing/sydney-to-hobart/Wild-Oats-XI-v-Comanche-2414387.html. Oats still the favourite, but not by much.

 

[Woodlouse]

Comanche has had some surgery since last year but as mentioned, it's not wise to bet against WOIX.

 

[adwuk]

12 hours into the race looks pretty brutal as that weather system moves NE and turns the race course into a beat

 

[adwuk]

Not going to happen this year. She's ripped her main and has retired. Comanche currently 4 miles ahead of Rambler, although it looks like Comanche is heading North now as well.