Happy Boxing Day and with it a wild beginning to this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. The race began with three yachts colliding at the starting line.  The Chinese Ark 323, Lupa of London, and Cougar II were forced to retire due to damage. Meanwhile, the eight-time winner super-maxi Wild Oats XI and rival American super-maxi Comanche were hit by an Australian “southerly-buster,” a nasty gale with winds over 40 knots. Wild Oats XI  was forced from the race with a ripped mainsail. Commanche was damaged, suffering a broken rudder. Her crew is attempting repairs before deciding whether to continue or retire from the race. Super-maxi Perpetual Loyal also retired from the race with a damaged rudder. Rambler has now taken the lead.

CEX Dolce returned to Sydney with a broken mast. St Jude, Koa also pulled out due to damage in the heavy weather.