Stellar fleet set for Sydney to Hobart yacht race
One of the most impressive fields in years will line up for the blue-water classic
Wind conditions are expected to favour bigger yachts at the start of the gruelling Sydney to Hobart race on Thursday but some of the smaller new entrants fancy their chances against the supermaxis in the stellar field.
Some 94 boats, including 22 international entrants, will be competing in the 628-nautical-mile dash down Australia's east coast to Tasmania island.
We're probably the most prepared yacht entered in the race. Quite frankly, we're ready and we're confident
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Howard Piggott said it was one of the blue-water classic's most impressive fields in years and a reflection of the Boxing Day race's growing reputation as "one of the most famous ocean yacht races in the world".
"We've assembled one of the best grand prix fleets for many years. A lot of people are going to be watching this race with keen interest, particularly yacht designers," Piggott said. "There will be in excess of 10 boats which could vie for line honours."
Forecast conditions for the race, which will set off from Sydney Harbour before thousands of spectators, favour the supermaxis, and 100-footer Wild Oats XI is a familiar favourite to win, perhaps in record time.
Wild Oats bagged an historic second triple crown in last year's edition, crossing the line first and winning the overall handicap as well as setting a new record time of one day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds.