Sailing: Jimmy Spithill linking up Kiwi sailors

Jimmy Spithill will sail in a team of Australians and Kiwis in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Photo / ACEA

After trying to beat New Zealand sailors earlier this year in the America's Cup, Australian Jimmy Spithill will join a number of Kiwis in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

The 1170 kilometre ocean race gets underway on Boxing Day, with Spithill aboard the Australian-owned Supermaxi LDV Comanche vessel alongside Kiwis Warwick Fleury, Nick Burridge, Brad Jackson, Tony Rae and Kelvin Harrap in an 18-person crew.

Tony Rae, who was about to compete in his eighth Sydney to Hobart race, said he was looking forward to sailing alongside the Oracle Team USA skipper.

"Obviously Jimmy's a great yachtsman," Rae said. "It'll be great to have him on the boat. He's a very good helmsman so it's all going to be good."

A seasoned competitor in the race, Rae said he had faith that the crew aboard the LDV Comanche had what it took to take out the race, and they head in as one of the boats to watch.

The team boast a wealth of experience, with Rae alone having competed in seven America's Cups and six Volvo Ocean Races.

However, in a race like the Sydney to Hobart, a team could have all the skill in the world onboard. But if the conditions don't play ball, things can get rough.

"At the end of the day it all comes down to sailing the boat well and not having any breakages, and also getting the right weather to match up with the boat.

"As we know, in Sydney to Hobart there's a lot of different issues come about with the weather that comes down that coast…and all those are going to play out over the next few days.

"You just never know what you're going to get in this race. I've done some pretty bad ones that I have not enjoyed in the past."

The 1998 regatta was one of those bad one that jumped to the front of Rae's mind as, in treacherous conditions, five yachts sank and six sailors lost their lives.

Rae was aboard the winning vessel that year, but the win took a back seat to the tragedy that unfolded.

However, 11 years later and heading into yet another campaign, Rae would be looking to defend the Tattersall's cup after claiming the win on handicap last year aboard then Kiwi-owned yacht, Giacomo.

He may be on a different yacht this time around, but the goal remained the same.

"When these opportunities come around I don't like to turn them down. I love the sailing, I love the races and I jump at the chance."