Wild Oats XI stands on the threshold of a record-equalling seventh line honours win in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
But the front-runner could have her bid for history foiled by a rival whose navigator has been plotting for two months.
First-time Hobart competitor Perpetual LOYAL is a formidable new rival in the 94-boat fleet, while Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing, which took line honours in 2011 and 2003 respectively under different names, are back again.
Morna/Kurrewa IV won line honours seven times between 1946 and 1960, while Wild Oats XI has claimed that title six times in just eight years.
Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richards says he's trying not to think about potentially equalling the win record but it is exciting and they will have their work cut out for them.
A victory on handicap will allow Wild Oats to also equal the race record of most overall wins, currently shared by Freya and Love & War, with three each.
