Sydney Hobart competitor Wicked loses Rig

1:48 AM Wed 6 Jan 2010 GMT

'Launching the spinnaker and getting sorted aboard the then very new ’Wicked’.' John Curnow

'Wicked', the Beneteau First 40 which finished second overall in the recent 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart, dropped her rig in Banks Strait overnight.

Thankfully, all six souls onboard are fine and unharmed. The boat is completely sound, except for the rig and they are currently steaming up the Tamar towards Beauty Point, where they will refuel, check the weather and continue steaming to their home at Sandringham Yacht CLub. Banks Strait is the gap between Flinders Island and Tasmania, which they were traversing on their way home to Melbourne. Strong winds in the area and the straight waves that can cover this stretch of water, appear to have caused the issue.

’Wicked’ is only around six months old and is seen here racing in the Melbourne Winter Series - John Curnow

All are hopeful they will be able to make the start of Audi Victoria Week later in the month and we wish them well.

by John Curnow

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Sydney Hobart competitor Wicked loses Rig

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