0730hrs, 27 DECEMBER 2008

Twelve hours into the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and 25 miles off Jervis Bay Ian Kiernan’s stunning Tasman Seabird Sanyo Maris retired from the 628 nautical mile race with a broken goose neck.

“We were changing down spinnakers in 30 knots. We gybed and the gooseneck (attaches the boom to the main mast) carried away,” said a disappointed Kiernan today.

“It wasn’t repairable out here so with regret we retired at around 1am this morning.

“Given the Green Cape rule we didn’t think it would be acceptable to enter Bass Strait,” he added.

Following the 1998 Sydney Hobart, mandatory reporting from Green Cape on the south east Victorian coast was introduced.  On approach to Green Cape each skipper has to consider whether their boat is in a satisfactory condition to continue.

Sanyo Maris is now motoring back to Sydney where they are due to arrive at approximately 8.30pm this evening.  The boat is heading back to its mooring in Mosman Bay.

Following a 10 year absence from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Kiernan and his crew, which includes yachting legend Hugh Treharne and co-owner Tiare Tomaszewski, Sanyo Maris returned to racing this year to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Sanyo Maris is the second retirement following the rescue of the crew of Georgia, and subsequent confirmation that the yacht has sunk, while the crew has arrived safely in Batemans Bay.

After reaching Batemans Bay this morning, Graeme Ainley had mixed emotions about being back on dry land.

“I was sailing in what I thought was my last Hobart – my 25th – but it looks like I may just have to do another one to get that medallion!” said Graeme Ainley.

“It all happened pretty quickly out there. We were running under spinnaker at about 15 knots, and having just completed the radio sked, we heard a loud bang, followed by a second bang. I guess we must have hit something reasonably solid – but we couldn’t see it.

“The rudder stop had pulled out and water came through the back of the boat. We then had no steering and had to get the spinnaker down quickly. 

“We then tried to stop the influx of water, but it was getting worse so we made the decision to abandon the vessel.

“The yacht Telcoinabox Merit was behind us and she stood by to render assistance. The radio relay vessel JBW was informed and they managed us through the whole situation in an excellent and professional manner.

“It just goes to show the importance of the sea safety and rescue course as it allowed the rescue to go according to plan.

“We were transferred by liferaft to Telcoinabox Merit, whilst awaiting the arrival of police launch Nemesis. About half an hour after being on board Merit, we watched Georgia go down.

“We motored back to about 13 nautical miles off Batemans Bay and were transferred on board Nemesis, who brought us ashore. I would like to thank the CYCA, and Rolex as sponsors of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Telcoinabox Merit, NSW Police and the race management teams for getting us here safely without injury to any crew member.  I also commend my crew,” concluded Ainley.

A fleet of 98 is still racing south.

By Lisa Ratcliff & Jennifer Crooks/Rolex Sydney Hobart Media Team