Rod, 42, was one of 20 crew to share in a slice of history when the Wild Oats reached the finish line with an unofficial winning time of two days, two hours and three minutes on Sunday December 28. 

“It was a really good feeling. There was definitely a big sense of relief to get the eighth win,” he said. 

“The poor old girl (Wild Oats) we’ve ridden her hard and made changes and she always pulls through. 

“There’s been innovation every year whether it be to the sails, to the top of the mast or to the bottom of the keel.” 

The Bob Oatley-owned supermaxi had to chase to take the lead from American yacht Comanche - owned by Texan billionaire Jim Clark and his Australian wife Kristy Hinze - late on Saturday morning.

Debuting in the race, the Comanche did exceptionally well to hold on but the Wild Oats proved too experienced as once in front, continued on supremely to the finish at Constitution Dock in Hobart. 

“When Comanche was doing four or five knots faster they were on fire. We knew then we couldn’t leave anything on the table,” he said. 

“We could see them coming around Tasman Island.  We were at Storm Bay so we were like alright we’ve got to sail well, let’s finish the race off. That’s the funny thing with sailing it’s not over til it’s over. Anything can change.” 

Rod is no stranger to the Sydney to Hobart having been involved in 14 races and receiving 11 line honours – eight of those with the Wild Oats. 

What’s kept the Wild Oats winning time and time again comes down to a combination of things, he says. 

“I’d say the whole picture – the owner, the crew, the yacht and a good leader and some people making the right calls at the right time,” he said. 

“Our navigator - Spaniard Juan Vila is a very experienced sailor. He made some key decisions during the race and everyone has a lot of respect for him. 

“Our challenges were to keep everyone in place and keep the communication going. We just had to make sure everyone was doing their job well. That’s the beauty of a team sport you’re all working for the common goal.” 

Wild Oats entry into the race almost didn’t happen when the yacht’s goose neck – which connects the boom to the mast – suffered compression and had to be re-built.

“It was Christmas Day when we assembled it back on the mast so it was less than ideal race preparation but thankfully it all turned out ok.” 

After the race, Rod arrived in Forster to have some downtime with his family before his wife and their six-year-old daughter Mackenzie flew back to their base of Oakland, California. 

Despite all the amazing destinations Rod gets to travel to with his job, coming home is always something he looks forward to. 

“Forster’s an amazing place. Coming back here when you live abroad, you really appreciate it a lot more,” he said. 

“I did primary school and high school here and have a lot of mates still here and fond memories. I always enjoy coming back and having a surf at north oney.”  

Rod is now back home in the states preparing to take part in the Quantum Key West Race Week in Florida from January 18 to 23 before taking part in the Super Yacht Challenge in the beguiling blue waters of Antigua in the Caribbean.  

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