More from down under...

Wild Oats XI  powering home to  a line honours win in todays 2007 SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney harbour, beating Skandia and Ichi Ban.

With cool strong southerly winds bringing gusts up to 30 knots, it was a full stress test for the new rig (and probably the crew!) before the main event on December 27th, the 2007 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.

The CYCA this year decided to dedicate todays Big Boat Challenge to raise awareness and funds for its SOLAS Trusts, which were established following the stormy 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race when six lives were lost.

A season of southerlies so far, if this keeps up its going to be a bumpy Boxing day...

Words: Blue Robinson.

Images: Christophe Launay Marine Action Photography