Investec Loyal claims Sydney to Hobart yachting classic in thrilling finish

Investec Loyal edged ahead of favorite Wild Oats XI to take line honors in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart ocean classic Wednesday in one of the race’s closest finishes.

The two supermaxis had fought a thrilling tactical duel along Australia’s east coast with the lead changing hand several times throughout the 628 nautical miles.

But 2010 runner-up Investec Loyal crossed the line in two days, six hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds, according to the race’s official website.

Official Rolex Sydney-Hobart website

With thousands watching at Hobart’s Constitution dock, the record holder and five-time winner Wild Oats XI arrived just over three minutes behind.

The smallest margin of victory was back in 1982 when Condor of Bermuda pipped Apollo by just seven seconds.

Investec Loyal took the lead for the first time on Tuesday night as the pair had broken away from the rest of the 88-strong fleet at the start in Sydney Harbor on Boxing Day.

Light winds and the traditional difficult run to the finish on the Derwent River left the outcome in doubt to the very end.

Wild Oats XI set the race record of one day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds in 2005 and has dominated the line honors battle in recent years.

A separate prize for victory on handicap is also awarded as the entrants in various categories battle it out to the finish in the Tasmanian capital.