Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2022: Coast sailor Xavier Doerr nervously awaits outcome of Covid test

“Other boats were getting torn apart – a whole division above us was decimated by the first night – but we were in our element, we were bulletproof.”

Xavier Doerr, 18, on the Active Again yacht that will be competing in the Sydney To Hobart race.

QUEENSLAND 46-footer Mayfair finished an “unheard-of” 10th in line honours in the 2021 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, fighting off the elements and an axe looming overhead in the form of a Covid-19 test to finish among the Super-Maxis.

Gold Coast sailor Xavier Doerr, 20, only received his negative test result at 6pm Wednesday, 18 hours before crossing the finish line.

A positive result would have forced the Mayfair to join an armada of more than 40 boats forced to retire from the race in the face of difficult conditions.

“We were just overwhelmed with relief,” said Doerr from Hobart’s River Derwent on Thursday.

“At that point we were leading our handicap, so it was pretty good to know we were still in it.

“It was so windy the water actually began to fill the air.

Gold Coast sailor Xavier Doerr aboard the Mayfair in the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Picture: Supplied

“We were going 45 knots completely keeled over, wearing ski goggles to stop the water from getting into our eyes and face masks so we weren’t breathing it in. The water was absolutely lashing your face and burning your skin but we were having a great time, laughing and having a ball.

“Other boats were getting torn apart – a whole division above us was decimated by the first night – but we were in our element, we were bulletproof.”

The Mayfair lost five hours on Thursday morning as calmer conditions buoyed the race’s heavyweights on their charge to the finish line.

Doerr said to finish 10th overall was one of the biggest highlights in his young sailing career.

“For a 46-foot boat, coming 10th in line honours is pretty unheard-of,” he said.

“We pulled in at midday and there were nine boats there: all racing thoroughbreds with fully professional crews.

“Racing against the best in the world, our little boat stacked up.”

Gold Coast 54-footer Maritimo finished one place behind the Mayfair, 11th in line honours, with a handicap victory in reach as others cross the line.

Skipper Michael Spies said: “It was a relief to hear the guns go and switch from Covid-mode to racing.”

‘If I test positive the whole boat has to retire’: Sailor’s bombshell

A Gold Coast sailor is anxiously awaiting the return of a Covid-19 test that could rule out his entire crew from this year’s Sydney to Hobart race.

Xavier Doerr, 20, is the final member of the crew aboard the Mayfair still waiting for his result before the race begins at midday AEST.

If Doerr tests positive the Mayfair will be forced to retire from the race.

“There’s been a lot of angst throughout the whole event,” the head coach of The Southport School’s sailing program and 2019 Sydney to Hobart sailor said.

“Some negative results have come through in the last 10 minutes (9:10am AEST) but mine is the last one.

“We can start the race but if I test positive the whole boat has to retire.

Xavier Doerr, 18, on the Active Again yacht in the 2019 Sydney To Hobart race.

“We can start but we might have to turn around.”

Sailing without Doerr is not an option, with conditions for this 2021 race among the most difficult in recent years.

Doerr said completing the race would require all hands on deck.

“This race is going to take a lot longer than usual and will take a lot of sail changes,” he said.

“For the first time in many years it’s going to be an upwind race, not downwind, with some cold southerly winds coming through.”

Doerr was a grinder aboard Active Again, who placed 32nd in line honours in his debut race in 2019.

This year the Gold Coaster, who sails out of Southport Yacht Club, had moved up the ranks.

“On the start line I’m going to be the mastman and I’ll be moving through every position on the boat.

“This year I’ll be doing some driving of the boat which I’m excited to do and keen to prove myself in.”

The Mayfair will leave the dock at 10am AEST to reach the starting position before an anxious two-hour wait.