Lilla, skippered by Simon De Pietro, took line honours in the Marion to Bermuda yacht race yesterday, crossing the finish at St. David’s head at 11.28 am.Lilla was well ahead of her closest rivals, with the second-placed boat still to finish by the time the boat had been docked at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.De Pietro said he was pleased with the performance of his boat and crew.His 76 foot, Class ‘A’ yacht had been the favourite to lead home the fleet, and De Pietro admitted the winds made for “a very smooth” crossing.“What can you say about the race, it was good for us out there and it feels good to be the first boat across the line,” said De Pietro. “It wasn’t a bad run, the conditions were perfect for her and she was happy when she was out there.“We had plenty of knots and boat speed, and along with the crew I had, it was smooth sailing for the most part.“Everything was great.”Leaving Marion, Massachusetts on Friday morning, Lilla was in the last class to be sent out onto the course but was at the head of the fleet by the time they reached the end of Buzzard’s Bay.From that point on it was smooth sailing as De Pietro and crew went the entire course unchallenged.“We were the last class to leave the bay and by the time we got out I believe that we were in first so it was pretty clear for us.“En route we didn’t see anybody and it was pretty surprising because for the initial stages we thought someone would be close to us.“At the end of the day we are pleased with this.”The race wasn’t all smooth sailing for some boats which had to retire for various reasons. Two really never got started.The 2009 Marion to Bermuda Cook’s trophy winner Hotspur II (Class D, Columbia 50) withdrew barely after the race begun due to gear breakageHotspur II captain Ron Wisner and crew agreed, however, to continue on to Bermuda to at their own leisure.Truant returned shortly after Hotspur II with an injured crew member who had suspected concussion.Skipper Jonathan Oilwerther on the Class C boat decided to return quickly in order his colleague could seek immediate medical care.