Ichi Ban skipper Matt Allen faces a nervous wait to find out whether his newest yacht has done enough to be named overall Sydney to Hobart winner.
The 52-footer, considered by many pundits as the pre-race handicap favourite, docked in Hobart on Thursday morning after a wild ride down Tasmania’s east coast.
Allen, who is also the president of Australian Sailing, said the boat blew out its largest spinnaker as it tore south at speeds of up to 28 knots.
“This is the best Hobart race I have ever done. It was exhilarating,” he told reporters of his 28th Sydney to Hobart race.
“I’ve never seen conditions like it, the closest was in 1999. I hope we see them again.
“We were buried by water a lot of the way. It was an incredibly wet race and pretty intense.”
Ichi Ban is in top spot overall ahead of biggest rival Quest, which finished about an hour afterwards.
Patrice, Concubine and Chutzpah are still sailing and could spoil Allen’s party.
“I think the breeze is lightening off though, and they won’t come home as fast as we did,” Allen said.
Ichi Ban was eighth past the post after Wild Oats XI secured line honours in a thrilling River Derwent duel with LDV Comanche on Wednesday night.
However, the supermaxi’s ninth win has yet to be officially ratified with a protest lodged by LDV Comanche over a Boxing Day close call set to be heard by an international jury.
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