Comanche up to speed
TWO-TIME America’s Cupwinning helmsman James Spithill believes LDV Comanche is a superior and faster boat than the one he helped steer to the line honours victory in the 2015 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
One of four former line honours winners on the start line this year, LDV Comanche is also one of the favourites to claim the fastest time victory under the new ownership of Sydney businessman Jim Cooney.
Spithill, who raced under old skipper Ken Read and former owners Jim and Kristy Clark, is back for the 2017 race with most of the boat’s original crew. And he has an ominous warning for rivals.
“I think the boat is faster,’’ he said of the powerful ocean mauler, whose purpose when built was to win races and smash records. It has a lot more miles under its belt and the guys sailing her have learned a lot more about the boat and to sail it better.’’
Former race winner Neville Crichton pulled together a world-class crew to race the world 24-hour champion LDV Comanche south before the yacht was bought by Cooney in a late deal less than a fortnight ago. Crichton has stepped down as skipper with Cooney taking over the reins of one of the fastest yachts in the world.
Ahead of the 73rd Sydney to Hobart, Comanche, Wild Oats and Black Jack have emerged from the pack to claim prerace favouritism on the back of a fast but fairly undramatic forecast.