SYDNEY (AP) The skipper of six-time Sydney to Hobart yacht race-winner Wild Oats XI says recent modifications have made the maxi yacht faster than when it broke its own race record last year.
Mark Richards told the launch of the 69th edition of the blue water classic, which startsfrom Sydney Harbor on Dec. 26, he believed the yacht would claim a record-equaling seventh race win.
Richards said modifications will produce "significant speed increases in their conditions. When we get back into the water at the end of the week, we're very confident she'll be in the fastest form she's ever been before."
Wild Oats faces strong competition from previous line-honors winners Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing and the recently relaunched Loyal among a fleet of 95 yachts.
