Wild Oats' skipper Mark Richards told the official website that Investec Loyal was a deserved winner.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Linacre went on to pay tribute to Investec Loyal for their "magnificent sailing" in this race and also Wild Oats XI.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Last year's race was also hit by a controversy after Investec Loyal (now renamed Ragamuffin Loyal) pipped Wild Oats XI for line honors in a dramatic finish in Tasmania.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

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

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS