It begins today, the greatest yacht race in the world

[Kody]

All the yachts begin the race today. It's the Sydney to Hobart and is the greatest yacht race in the world. The weather seems to be good and holding for a chance of a record time to be set this year. There are at least four maxi yachts in the line up and the start will, as always, be very exciting. The race begins in Sydney Harbour and there is always a big battle for crossing the start line and the run to Sydney Heads to then turn South to Hobart. This race is not for those who lack courage or fear danger but it is always in the back of everyone's mind, the memories of the tragic race a few years ago. Cindy just called out to say that one of the maxi's has been pulled out, gotta go and watch.

Kody

[Kody]

The oldest yacht in the race is 80 years old and 30 feet long. The Super Maxi's are up to 98 feet long and they cruised (?) out of Sydney Harbour at over 25 knots. When they hit the open ocean, they can do 27 knots and over, super exciting to watch them. There are 76 yachts in the fleet racing down to Hobart in Tasmania. There is one of the Maxi's that has a swing keel. The balance weight weighs 12 tons, is mounted on the end of a very thin looking plate about 8 feet long. The weight is solid lead shaped like a torpedo and has been swung out to a 45 deg. angle. The load and stress on the hull boggles the imagination. I hope you guys can get to see some video of the race on your TV news and especially the swing keel.
Wow!!

Kody

[Kody]

The race was won by the maxi yacht "Wild Oats XI". The distance was 650 nautical miles and the time set a new record. The time was 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds. It covered some of the most dangerous waters found on Earth, what a great achievement.

Kody