Wild Rose skipper Roger Hickman says it's unlikely the old girl will break the 30-year drought of back-to-back Tattersall Cup winners in next month's Sydney to Hobart race.
Not since timber boat Freya claimed overall wins between 1963-65 has a yacht notched consecutive victories as pound-for-pound champion of Bass Strait.
And Hickman knows just how difficult a challenge it is, having waited 21 years to hold the Cup after leading Solbourne Wild Oats in 1993.
"We're allowed to dream the dream. (But in) reality, not really. There's a chance, but lots of things have to go right," Hickman told AAP at the race launch on Tuesday.
Wild Rose's time of three days, seven hours, four minutes and 43 seconds last year was the fastest overall time in six years, but Hickman said a lot of factors would have to go in their favour to repeat the effort.
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A strong southerly at kickoff on Boxing Day, for instance, would help them keep sight of the popular super-maxi boats, such as last year's line honours winner, Wild Oats.
"The wind and rain for the first couple of days, so the race is slow, and then the wind to change and blow us home," Hickman said.
"That's the epitome of the idea, but the Sydney to Hobart is just so complex. The more complex it is, the better chance we have of doing well."
While there have been few changes to Wild Rose in the past year, Hickman has been forced into making one change to last year's crew.
"I will sail with virtually the same crew - you wouldn't change a winning crew. My sister's having a baby, so she won't be with us this year," he said.
