David Witt is under no illusions as to the enormity of the challenge Ragamuffin 100 faces trying to deny mighty Wild Oats XI a ninth Sydney to Hobart victory.
But the perennial placegetter is feeling empowered and inspired by his not-so-secret weapon, Ragamuffin's legendary skipper Syd Fischer, who is returning for his 47th tilt at Australia's world-famous ocean race at 88.
"The toughest man walking on the planet," Witt said of the oldest competitor in the 108-boat fleet.
"Along with Bob Oatley, I don't think there's a bigger icon in Australian sailing.
"It's fantastic he's still competing in the race. Still on the boat, still extremely passionate about the sport, he's in the yard every day talking to me about what we're doing.
"People have difference of opinion but if he's willing to go, you'd be mad not to take him.
"I think it's quite inspiring to everybody, especially when you get into a situation where some of the boys think it's a bit hard and you've got an 88-year-old on board.
"I don't know too many 88-year-olds that are still driving a car let alone doing a yacht race to Hobart."
Witt is promising to have Raggamuffin at "full throttle" from the outset on Boxing Day, but the sailing master accepts his line-honours hopeful's best still may not be good enough to eclipse fellow super maxi Wild Oats XI.
"They're the best offshore racing team we've seen in decades," Witt said.
"What Richo (Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richards) and his team have done in this sport, I don't think matches in any other sport.
"Eight wins in a major offshore race, I don't know how you compare that to a soccer team or anything.
"I think it's a little bit underestimated, actually, what they've managed to do in quite a competitive sport. Full credit to them."
But what Fischer has achieved in sailing is unrivalled too - and the veteran is relishing the challenge of taking on Wild Oats XI, American powerhouse Comanche, Perpetual Loyal and the like.
"The old boy, when he found out Comanche was coming back and everyone was coming back, he was actually quite excited," Witt said.
"Because if you are going to win the Hobart race, this is definitely the year you want to win it, when the best of the best are here."
