HOBART: Wild Oats XI took line honors in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race for the fifth time in six years Tuesday but its victory was uncertain because of a protest lodged by the race committee. Skippered by Mark Richards, the 100-foot yacht crossed the finish line off Hobart's Constitution Dock 2 days, 7 hours, 37 minutes, 20 seconds after leaving Sydney and almost 31 miles ahead of its nearest rival, fellow super maxi Investec Loyal. Organizers immediately declared Wild Oats' fifth line honors win provisional pending a hearing Wednesday of a protest over a breach of race radio protocols. Race Committee Chairman Tim Cox said the super maxi failed to have an operational HF radio as she passed Green Cape Monday, a compulsory reporting stage at the entrance to Bass Strait. A similar protest was lodged against the English yacht RAN. Investec Loyal, crewed in part by a galaxy of Australian sporting stars, could make no impression on the leader as the finish line neared. Late in the day Ichi Ban overtook Lahana to move into third place. Sydney yacht Victoire led the race for handicap honors with an adjusted lead of just 4 minutes ahead of South Australia's Secret Men's Business.
