LAND HO: Wild Oats XI gets closer to the finish line in the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Daniel Forster/Rolex.

The old girl, Wild Oats, had the legs all the way round the track and that’s what counted.

Mark Richards

A RECORD eighth line honours title in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race is not enough for Wild Oats XI.

First across the line yesterday in a time of two days, two hours, three minutes and 26 seconds, the supermaxi’s winemaker owner Bob Oatley insists the 10-year-old 100-footer will be back for a tilt at a ninth victory. And then some.

‘‘It’s a miracle, an absolute miracle,’’ Oatley, 86, said of the result before heading off to celebrate  with a glass of wine.

But even he admitted to being ‘‘very apprehensive’’ ahead of the race with high-tech American newcomer Comanche in the field.

On debut Comanche finished (2:02:52.40) second in line honours, 49 minutes behind Wild Oats XI, after being hotly tipped to cause an upset.

Wild Oats skipper Mark Richards said the rivalry of Comanche meant yesterday’s result was the sweetest of his 12 blue water classic races.

‘‘To have a boat so close for so much of the race is always difficult, especially when they’re going faster than you,’’ Richards said.

‘‘The old girl, Wild Oats, had the legs all the way round the track and that’s what counted.’’

While she might be old, Wild Oats XI underwent surgery before lining up on Boxing Day, fitted with a streamlined bow, new 

hydrofoil wing and new sails and rigging.

After taking an early lead out of Sydney on Friday Comanche lacked the wind she needed while crossing Bass Strait on Saturday.

It was there Wild Oats XI pounced, never relinquishing the position.

Richards paid tribute to his navigator, Juan Vila, who was able to pick up on a high-pressure ridge through the strait, sweeping them into the lead.

‘‘Our navigator was absolutely phenomenal and absolutely spot on,’’ he said.

‘‘He really was one of the main keys of winning this race.’’

Already in the history books of the much-coveted race, having twice (2005 and 2012) broken the time record, Wild Oats XI yesterday became the first boat to notch eight line honours wins.

Going into the race Wild Oats XI shared the claim of seven line honours titles with the boat Morna (1946, 1947, 1948) which was later known as Kurrewa IV (1954, 1956, 1957, 1960).

Wild Oats XI now stands alone as the most successful boat in the 70-year history of the Sydney to Hobart race.

While the hard work is over for two boats, there are still 106 others to finish.

Third-placed American supermaxi Rio 100 was expected to cross the line about 10pmyesterday.