Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2011

The winner of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race Investec Loyal has been accused of cheating but skipper Anthony Bell is confident the protest will be dismissed. He will front the five man international jury at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania at 10 am today. The jury consists of two Australians, a Japanese, a Briton and a New Zealander. The protest wasn’t lodged by another boat but by the race committee who allege Investec Loyal asked a third party for assistance during the race. They have been accused of asking the crew of an ABC helicopter what sail Wild Oats XI was using just off Merimbula on the NSW south coast. In an audio recording Investec Loyal Michael Coxon asked “Can you confirm, does Wild Oats have their trysail up?" The ABC crewman who responded said he was not familiar with sailing terms so he was asked “What colour is it?” and the answer came back “Grey”. Coxon then seemed satisfied and signed off.






The yacht could be disqualified or face a time penalty but skipper of Wild Oats XI Mark Richards doesn’t agree with the protest and believes Investec Loyal deserved to win and should keep the title. "There were three stages to the race where we had a really big lead and then we lost it, had no wind at all and they sailed around us." he said "They did a fantastic job and we congratulate those guys. We'll have to come back next year and have another crack."


Maybe it’s time to take a good look at the rules and the power of the committee. Last year after winning its fifth title, Wild Oats XI had to endure a protest, they were accused of not radioing in properly before crossing Bass Strait which seems petty in the extreme. The protest was overruled and their win upheld.







Celebrity Channel 9 presenter Karl Stefanovic was so crippled by seasickness after 12 hours of 5 metre waves and 30-knot winds, he was unable to get to the phone for a live cross to his own network. He was told by fellow crew members to “stop being a princess” and to “man up”.


Footnote: Jury finds Investec Loyal did not breach race rules and is declared the winner.