Wild Oats XI may have the weather Gods on her side for the Sydney to Hobart, but the champion navigator of chief rival Perpetual LOYAL expects his rebuilt boat to be just as fast as it was before it capsized two years ago.
The latest forecast six days before the Boxing Day start offered more to some of the supermaxi than the smaller boats.
It is tipped to start under 10 to 15 knot nor-easters, with the winds freshening up to 25 to 30 knots on the Friday.
The first significant change is forecast for later that night, with the wind expected to move around early on Saturday to the west and strengthening to around 25 knots.
"It looks like the course right now may suit Wild Oats a little bit better than it does us," said Perpetual LOYAL navigator Stan Honey.
The famed American enjoyed a line honours win in 2011 on Investec LOYAL, now competing as Ragamuffin 100.
Honey was the very first navigator on Perpetual LOYAL, when she was launched as Speedboat.
It was reputedly the world's fastest supermaxi before her keel snapped and she capsized in the 2011 Fastnet Race.
The stricken supermaxi was subsequently bought and extensively modified by Australian Anthony Bell.
He has recruited three of the boat's original crew, including Honey, who always hoped the yacht would race again.
"I think it's an interesting boat and I was delighted Anthony was able to rebuild it and get it out on the water again," Honey told AAP.
"I think in its current configuration it will be just as fast, as when it was first launched.
"Because in some ways it's got a little bit less stability and a little bit less sail, but I think overall it's better balanced."
His Wild Oats XI counterpart Tom Addis agreed his latest forecast probably favoured the six-time line honours winner ahead of Perpetual LOYAL.
Adrienne Cahalan, who shared navigational duties with Addis aboard Wild Oats XI last year, is sailing with the smaller Wedgetail this year after Bob Oatley's supermaxi underwent a crew restructure.
"I walk away with my head held high, I think I did a good job for them," Cahalan told AAP.
"To be in a campaign for eight years is a good thing and it shows that you have an ability to do the job.
"We had enormous results with two overall wins and six line honours and a lot of records in other races, not just this one.
"If they (Wild Oats XI) asked me to sail again I would, absolutely," added Cahalan, who is extending her race record for Hobarts sailed by a female to 22.
