Wild Oats X out of Audi Gold Coast race
A tough day at the office for the crew of Bob Oatley's Wild Oats X. After a horror start in the 2008 Audi Sydney Gold Coast race, she had gear failure and has retired from the race. 
'Wild Oats X, left in the soft stuff at the start of the Audi Sydney Southport 2008 soon after start'
Andrea Francolini / Audi © Click Here to view large photo
Wild Oats X was one of the boats choosing the western end of the start line were affected by a huge knock with many having no pressure at all.
By the time the leading yachts reached Sow & Pigs Reef, Bob Steel's Quest had over taken Ragamuffin closely followed by Wot Not, Quantum Racing and Secret Mens Business 3. Quest continued to lead the fleet as they passed through the heads, with the line honours favourite Wild Oats still well back.
Unfortunately shortly after Wild Oats X cleared the heads, the yacht reported gear failure and has retired from the race.
Mark Richards skipper of Wild Oats X commented on his retirement from the race "We aren't having much luck in the 66ft class this week! We broke the bobstay and that caused the bowsprit to break just after we had cleared the heads - but that's ocean racing for you."
"It was a tricky start to the race - we were on starboard tack and the rest of the fleet was on port tack and we got locked out of the start. We decided that it was better to hang back rather than getting the boat damaged. We had a good couple of tacks and we had just about caught the leaders as they reached the heads.
'Soon after we got through the heads, that's when the gear broke - so it was retirement and back to the marina for us. We were looking forward to this race - I wish the fleet a safe journey and we'll see some of them in Hamilton Island after we get Wild Oats X fixed." concluded Mark
by Jennifer Crooks 
