27 Dec 2008

Record seems out of reach for Sydney to Hobart front runners

6:50 pm on 27 December 2008

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race record doesn't look like it will be threatened but no-one is game to predict which of the two duelling maxis, Wild Oats XI and Skandia, will claim line honours.

At 3.30pm (AEDT) Skandia led Wild Oats XI by four nautical miles, 30 ahead of ASM Shockwave 5, with 220 nautical miles to the finish line.

To beat the race record of 1 day 18 hours 40 minutes and 10 seconds, the line honours winner will need to cross the line in Hobart before 7.40am (AEDT).

A strong northerly was still prevailing on the two maxis late into Saturday afternoon.

Cougar II leads the race on handicap.