Spinnaker start could produce record

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THE million of spectators who watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart race are set for a treat with a frenetic and possible record-breaking spinnaker start on Boxing Day.

It's looming as one of the toughest races south in recent years but sailors are now also bracing for the fastest ever start in the 70-year history of the race.

The arrival of strong southerly winds earlier than originally expected on Boxing Day would mean the 117-strong fleet will be supercharged from the start, with spinnakers providing a stunning sight for spectators.

"In a strong southerly those supermaxis are going to be flying,'' said Sydney to Hobart veteran Roger Hickman, skipper of one of the overall handicap contenders Wild Rose.

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"The race to be the first yacht out The Heads, I don't think we will have ever seen a faster one.''

The Mark Richards skippered Wild Oats has traditionally claimed this small but psychologically important victory but she could be under real pressure this year from the America's supermaxi Comanche along with Anthony Bell's big powerful 100-footer Perpetual Loyal, both yachts expected to revel in the start conditions.

But the adrenalin rush start increases the chance of accidents with numerous yachts in the past not even making it out of Sydney Harbour due to damage from starting collisions.

"There is usually a lot of adrenalin and a bit of aggression,'' Hickman said.

The boats in 2009 head out with their sails billowing. Source: News Limited

The the fast start might be the best part of the race for sailors who are bracing for an "old traditional Sydney to Hobart" with a bit of everything in it — including hours of nauseating upwind conditions off the NSW coast.

Wild Oats's objective this year is to become the first boat in history to win eight line honours trophies.

Since her launch in 2005 only two yachts have been able to beat her to Hobart — Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo in 2009 and Anthony Bell's Investec Loyal in 2011.

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