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Former race leader Comanche is hoping to repair a damaged rudder and continue racing in the Sydney to Hobart, despite earlier reports that the American supermaxi would be forced out of the iconic race.
The news came as eight-time winner and defending champion Wild Oats XI was heading back to Sydney, after retiring with a torn mainsail, as strong winds hit the front of the fleet on the first night.
A Cruising Yacht Club of Australia spokeswoman confirmed Comanche, who’s now in second place behind fellow US raider Rambler 88, was still hoping to contend for line honours.
“She’s trying to do some running repairs while out on the water and they hope to rejoin the race,” the spokeswoman told AAP after midnight on Sunday.
The 100-foot Comanche was beaten into Hobart a year ago by Wild Oats XI by just 55 minutes.
A strong southerly change – which brought winds of up to 43 knots – hit the fleet’s frontrunners on Saturday night along the NSW south coast just over 10 hours after the start of the 2015 race in Sydney Harbour.
“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,” Wild Oats XI said in a statement.
All crew are safe and the yacht will return to Sydney.
Five boats had earlier retired in the afternoon – with another five forced out later in the night.
CEX Dolce quit with a broken mast; St Jude with a broken rudder; Koa with steering damage; and another potential race winner, the celebrity-laden supermaxi Perpetual Loyal, with a broken rudder.
The yachts are all returning to Sydney except CEX Dolce which is heading for Jervis Bay.
Race organisers acknowledge conditions are tough.
“It’s pretty horrible out there – it’s really nasty,” the race spokeswoman said.
While there’s understandable concern for all the crews racing, no additional measures have had to be put in place due to the bad weather.
Syd Fischer’s supermaxi Ragamuffin 100, currently in third place, will now be a hot contender for line honours along with Rambler 88.