Sanyo Maris retires

Ian Kiernan's Tasman Seabird Sanyo Maris has retired from the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with a broken goose neck.

Sanyo Maris is the second retirement following the rescue of the crew of Georgia early on Saturday morning, subsequent information has confirmed that the yacht has sunk while the crew has arrived safely in Batemans Bay.

Kiernan and his crew have been absent from the Sydney Hobart Race for 10 years and the Sanyo Maris only returned to racing this year to celebrate her 50th birthday.

"We were changing down spinnakers in 30 knots. We gybed and the gooseneck (attaches the boom to the main mast) carried away," said a disappointed Kiernan today.

"It wasn't repairable out here so with regret we retired at around 1am this morning."

"Given the Green Cape rule we didn't think it would be acceptable to enter Bass Strait."

Sanyo Maris is now motoring back to Sydney where they are due to arrive at approximately 8.30pm on Saturday night.

Graeme Ainley, from Georgia, had mixed emotions about being back on dry land.

"I was sailing in what I thought was my last Hobart – my 25th – but it looks like I may just have to do another one to get that medallion," he said.

"It all happened pretty quickly out there. We were running under spinnaker at about 15 knots, and having just completed the radio sked, we heard a loud bang, followed by a second bang. I guess we must have hit something reasonably solid – but we couldn't see it."

"The rudder stop had pulled out and water came through the back of the boat. We then had no steering and had to get the spinnaker down quickly."

"We then tried to stop the influx of water, but it was getting worse so we made the decision to abandon the vessel."

"The yacht Telcoinabox Merit was behind us and she stood by to render assistance. The radio relay vessel JBW was informed and they managed us through the whole situation in an excellent and professional manner."

"It just goes to show the importance of the sea safety and rescue course as it allowed the rescue to go according to plan."