Updated
Nine-time line honours winners Wild Oats XI faces a significant threat from a field of four other proven supermaxis in its Sydney to Hobart defence.
Wild Oats had urgent repairs and modifications after experiencing rigging, deck and mast damage in the Cabbage Tree Island Race in November and will be up against a field that includes previous winners Comanche and Black Jack.
The 75th version of one of the world’s great ocean races will boast the biggest field in 25 years with 157 yachts.
The Bureau of Meteorology has allayed fears the start could be affected by the bushfire smoke which has blanketed Sydney in recent weeks, but forecast light winds through until Monday.
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