Boxing Day would not be the same without the Sydney To Hobart and we are set for a highly competitive edition of the race in 2017.
There are four Super Maxis that will be on the starting line in Sydney on Boxing Day and all four have a genuine chance of taking out line honours in the famous race.
2015 winner LDV Comanche is a narrow favourite at a quote of $2, but he will face stiff competition from Wild Oats XI ($3), Black Jack ($3.50) and Infotrack ($9).
We have analysed all of the leading chances and our 2017 Sydney To Hobart tips can be found below.
LDV Comanche
LDV Comanche won the 2015 edition of the Sydney To Hobart in impressive fashion and she will go into this year’s race under new ownership after she was purchased by Jim Cooney – who has previously won the Sydney To Hobart with Brindabella.
LDV Comanche won all four races at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and in 2017 alone she has broken a heap of records – leading to her earning the nickname of the Air-Craft Carrier of the sailing world.
Cooney is an experienced captain that knows what it takes to win the Sydney To Hobart and there is no doubt that LDV Comanche is the boat to beat.
Wild Oats XI
Wild Oats XI has won the Sydney To Hobart on eight occasions, but her chances in this year’s race have taken a big hit in the past 48 hours.
The boat was struck by lightning when out of the water and in its cradle on Sunday morning and a number of the electronic instruments in the boat were damaged, while there could also be an issue with the rigging.
This is a far from ideal preparation for one of the toughest races there is and the $3 that is currently on offer now does seem under the odds.
Black Jack
Black Jack won the Sydney To Hobart when she was known as Alfa Romeo and has undergone plenty of modifications in the past 12 months.
Black Jack gave Wild Oats XI a serious challenge in the Sydney To Gold Coast race earlier this year and has since won the Cabbage Tree Island Race and the Bird Island Race.
Whether she has the speed to compete with LDV Comanche is a genuine question, but she could be the big beneficiary if something does go amiss with the race favourite.
Infotrack
Infotrack won the 2016 Sydney To Hobart when known as Perpetual Loyal and she has since been purchased by Christian Beck.
Infotrack finally lived up to the hype when she won the race in record time 12 months ago and this is a boat that can do very special things on her day.
The issue is that she does have a history of taking on plenty of damage and she was forced to retire from the Sydney To Hobart in both 2014 and 2015.
She is deserving of her position as the outsider amongst the four leading contenders.