Wild Oats XI wins 18th Big Boat challenge

IN PICTURES: Sydney to Hobart line honours favourite Wild Oats XI has taken out the 18th SOLAS Big Boat challenge on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney to Hobart line honours favourite Wild Oats XI has taken out the 18th SOLAS Big Boat challenge on Sydney Harbour, one of the key regattas in the run up to the Boxing Day blue water classic.

Conditions were ideally suited for the 30 metre super maxi which led from start to finish, as the fleet completed three circuits of the harbour. The Mark Richards skippered yacht won in record time finishing more than 10 minutes ahead of nearest rival Lahana, while the winner's sister vessel Wild Oats X came in third ahead of Black Jack.

Loyal, which snatched victory along the Derwent River in Hobart in 2011, was a notable absentee, but that took nothing away from Wild Oats XI's sleek performance in 20 to 25 knot winds, on an overcast and blustery Sydney day.

For the sixth year, the Cruising Yacht Club has used the event to raise awareness and funding for the SOLAS Trust. The trust was established to help fund maritime search and rescue operations in the wake of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart when six died in treacherous conditions.

Photos by Marcus Reubenstein, SBS

(Sydney to Hobart handicap chance, Quest among the fleet on the first circuit of the course.)

(A crew member on Hooligan scrambles to secure a bow line.)

(Hooligan settles in for the first circuit of the race.)

(Wild Oat XI winding down as it approaches the line in record time.)

(Wild Oats XI heading out on its final tack.)

(Wild Oats XI crew enjoying the ride.)

(Running repairs to the Wild Oats XI mainsail.)