It seemed for all the world like a repeat of the 2003 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race when the supermaxis Skandia and Zana (now Konika Minolta) fought a one-to-one duel all the way to Hobart.
Skandia shock
Then, in the early morning of December 28, Skandia lost control of her massive canting wheel and sent out a radio distress call, officially retiring from the race.
Yendys in the lead
The NSW 52-footer Yendys was reported to be in the lead just before dawn of December 28, followed by Konika Minolta and Nicorette, with gale-force winds buffeting Bass Strait. The fleet was down to 86 boats as a total of 30 had already confirmed withdrawal from the race. By 6am Konika Minolta had regained its lead. Yendys was tracked in eighth position.
And then it was Konika Minolta's turn
By 7.45am, December 28, Konika Minolta reported that it had withdrawn from the race with some structural damage.
New leaders
Leading the fleet at 10am, December 28, were Nicorette, AAPT and Brindabella.
By 6.30pm, December 28, a total of 54 yachts had retired from the race due to adverse weather conditions, gear and mechanical problems or craft damage. Nicorette, AAPT and Brindabella were maintaining their lead down the Tasmanian coast.
By dawn of December 29, Nicorette had maintained her lead and crossed the finish line first in Hobart's Derwent River.
International entries
There were 10 international entries from New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong and the USA, the most notable of which was the super maxi Konika Minolta of New Zealand which, as Zana, was second to Skandia in the 2003 line honors race.
Official starter
Official Starter for the 2004 race was Ray Richmond, sole surviving member of the crew of Rani, line honors and overall handicap winner of the inaugural race in 1945.
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Next page: 2005 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
