Investec Loyal has been confirmed as the line honours winner of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after a protest from the race committee was dismissed.
The race committee had alleged Loyal tactician Michael Coxon sought to obtain information from an ABC helicopter pilot about rival supermaxi Wild Oats XI's sails, but a hearing at lunchtime dismissed the appeal, which could have meant disqualification.
The protest drama had overshadowed one of the great finishes in the blue water classic. It was the fourth closest margin in the race's history, with Investec Loyal finishing just over three minutes ahead of Wild Oats.
