Comanche skipper Jim Cooney has revealed plans to return his boat to the world stage, after trying to keep four other supermaxis at bay in this year's Sydney to Hobart.
Under original owners Jim and Kristy Clark, Comanche contested most of the world's great ocean races, before being purchased late last year by Cooney and his wife Samantha, who he credits with coaxing him into acquiring the boat.
They kept the boat in Australia this year after it's 2017 Sydney to Hobart line honours win, but Cooney is eyeing a crack at the Transpac race from California to Hawaii next July.
"'The way the boat is performing and the way the crew is coming together, the Transpac looks like a pretty exciting prospect for us," Cooney said.
But first Comanche will look for back-to-back line honours wins in the Sydney to Hobart.
Black Jack, Scallywag and InfoTrack are other maximum length challengers, but Cooney rates Wild Oats XI as his boat's greatest competition.
Cooney stressed there was no ill feeling between the camps after the controversial outcome last year.
Oats crossed the line first ahead of Comanche but a protest from Cooney following a near collision between the boats was upheld.
The penalty imposed meant the two boats swapped positions.
"It was never uncomfortable with them," Cooney said.
"Ricko (Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richards) and I actually had breakfast the day after the hearing last year and he just shook his head and said 'what was I thinking, not doing the (penalty) turns and it could have all been different.'
"There's no bad blood, we've been racing against each other a long time."
Looking to stay ahead of the chasing pack, Cooney has made modifications to Comanche including using hydraulic winches ahead of grinding pedestals.
The fat bottomed boat is carrying close to 600 kilos less weight this year, with three fewer crew and their safety gear.
Cooney said the performances of the five supermaxis in the fleet had converged since last year's race.
"Everyone has modified their boats in the last 12 months and everyone has been trying to cover their weak spots," Cooney said.
Comanche was the last supermaxi launched back in 2014, but Cooney felt more would be built, while estimating the cost at around $35 million.
He will again be sailing with two of his five children, Julia and James, both of who were part of last year's crew.
