We were at the finish line. One boat successfully crossed. There were two others nearing the line. One had full main and genoa up in a strengthening wind.
The other had a well reefed mainsail and her orange storm jib.
Someone told us there was a severe wind warning. As we watched a thunderstorm was developing and suddenly the air in the Derwent river was filled with flying spray. It must have been blowing about 50 KN!
The first boat's headsail and mainsail were immediately shredded. Quite a sight! She eventually put up a storm jib and then another sail before crossing the finishing line. The other boat turned around and ran before the storm and we did not see her finish. It seemed as though she was sailing downwind at the same speed as the weather system. Within an hour the weather over Hobart had moderated to perhaps 15 KN.
We had seen the start and the line honours finishing boat (Wild Oats XI) on TV but this was really dramatic.
Here are a few pics of boats.
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