Sydney to Hobart holder abandons ship as storm forces out favourites

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2004

SYDNEY (AFP) — The crew of defending Sydney to Hobart champion Skandia abandoned ship in mountainous seas as storm damage also forced out race leader Konica Minolta, leaving debutant Nicorette with an apparently unassailable lead.

The fleet of the bluewater classic took its worst battering since 1998, when six sailors died and seven boats were lost, with officials saying 42 of the 116 boats which began the race Sunday had retired.

The dramatic developments came after a night which saw the fleet hammered by gale force winds, thunderstorms and lightning.

Skandia sent out a distress call late Monday when the boat was about 65 nautical miles east-northeast of the northeastern tip of the island state of Tasmania.

Seven hours later, the Australian...