Yachting: Rivalries put aside

Majestic maxis Wild Oats XI and Alfa Romeo are enemies on the water but that enmity dissipates once they are on dry land.

The camaraderie among the high-powered end of this year's Sydney to Hobart fleet became evident when Victorian maxi Etihad Stadium lost its mast and faced a race against the clock to make the start today.

Several of its great rivals pitched in to help out.

While some of them profited from offering assistance, with Alfa Romeo owner Neville Crichton picking up A$500,000 ($625,000) for selling his replacement mast to Etihad skipper Grant Wharington, the intent was clear.

All of the other big guns wanted Wharington and his boat on the starting line, even if it meant they could lose to them in the classic race.

"The rivalry among the maxi owners is fantastic," said Chris Sherlock, boat captain of leading British maxi ICAP Leopard.

"It's a friendly rivalry and a healthy sportsmanlike manner, everyone is helping out Wharo."

Fraternisation even exists between the two crews in the lead-up to the race.

Michael Coxon, who has jumped aboard Alfa this year after being part of the victorious Oats crew last year, has continued rubbing shoulders with his old crewmates, despite his long-term friendship with, and allegiance to, Crichton.

"We are all mates," said Coxon. "All the Sydney-based sailors are all good friends, who have grown up together."

- AAP