After cheering his super maxi Wild Oats XI to a sixth line honours victory in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, owner Bob Oatley declared it was "definitely not" the end of his pursuit of glory in the event, and pledged to return with her next year set on beating the race record she set on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Watching her final early morning run up the Derwent River to the finish in one of the many spectator boats on Friday, "was a great sight" said an elated Oatley. He then said her loss to Investec Loyal (now Ragamuffin Loyal) by three minutes eight seconds last year made the outcome on Friday where she finished at 7.22am (AEDT): "even sweeter and next year will be even sweeter again to get seven [wins] - six today, next year seven."
Oatley then reiterated the pain he felt for Wild Oats XI being pipped last year, saying: "it hurt like hell", but that it made Friday's win more "special."