Yachting: Warm-up win for Alfa Romeo

New Zealand super-maxi Alfa Romeo flexed its muscles ahead of the Sydney to Hobart blue water classic on Boxing Day by setting a new record time for the annual Cabbage Tree Island race down the New South Wales central coast.

The $10.7 million, 30m juggernaut covered the 180 nautical mile race in 18 hours 33 minutes 56 seconds - erasing 23m 43s off the time Brindabella set last year.

Skippered by owner Neville Crichton, Alfa Romeo, one of four super-maxis confirmed for the 61st Sydney to Hobart, smashed the record despite light to moderate winds on the journey north, averaging between five and 12 knots.

Steven David's 18m Wild Joe took handicap honours.