Wild Oats XI dominates the 2012 Solas Big Boat Challenge

By Ben Gaze

Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats XI and Wild Oats X dominated the 2012 Solas Big Boat challenge which is the last big hit out before the start of the Sydney to Hobart on Boxing Day.

In blustery south east conditions Wild Oats XI stamped it’s authority over second placed Lahana and third placed Wild Oats X.

With the two largest boats Wild Oats XI and Lahana well in front it was left to the 50ft and 60ft yachts to fight it out for handicap honours with Wild Oats X prevailing over Loki, Blackjack and Hooligan.

The line honours results were,

1st – Wild Oats XI

2nd – Lahana

3rd – Wild Oats X

4th – Blackjack

5th – Loki

6th – Hooligan

7th – Brindabella 

8th – Vanguard

9th – Quest

10th – Kookaburra

11th – Southern Excellence

12th – Ginger

13th – Terra Firma

By Ben Gaze