Organisers expect this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race fleet to be one of the biggest and most competitive in almost 20 years.
A fleet of 95 yachts will line up for the Boxing Day start of the event, including 15 new boats and 22 international entries.
Among the entries is the defending line and handicap honours winner super maxi Wild Oats XI, chasing a record equalling seventh race win.
Previous line honours winners Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing are returning, while the newly-rebuilt Perpetual Loyal also looms as a strong contender.
Perpetual Loyal was widely considered the fastest racing super maxi in the world until capsizing in the 2011 Fastnet Race after her keel snapped off.
