HOBART, Australia (AP) — Badly damaged but still able to sail, the giant American yacht Comanche crossed the finish line Monday to take line honors in a storm-hit Sydney to Hobart race.
The 100 foot supermaxi, owned by Netscape founder Dr. Jim Clark and skippered by Ken Read, reached the line off Hobart’s Constitution Dock at 10pm local time (1100 GMT) to complete the 628 nautical mile race in 2 days, 8 hours, 58 minutes. It was the first American winner since 1998.
Comanche was about 50 nautical miles ahead of American rival Rambler 88 which also suffered serious damage during a race from which a third of the fleet withdrew, including favorite and eight-time line honors winner Wild Oats XI.
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