Mystery Sydney to Hobart supermaxi CQS has had her mast re-stepped, as she continues her build-up to the race starting on Boxing Day.
The boat, which arrived in Sydney from New Zealand in early December, has been lengthened and rebuilt since taking Hobart line honours in 2004 as the 90-foot Nicorette.
The mast was removed during the week and a number of improvements made.
CQS showed promising form last month when she set a race record in winning the White Island race off Auckland.
However, comparatively little is known of the revamped boat, with its team hard at work and keeping a low profile since arriving in Australia.
Skipper Ludde Ingvall, also took Sydney-Hobart line honours in 2000 with Nicorette in its original 79-foot configuration.
The CQS crew comprises mainly New Zealanders, among them Chris Dickson and London Olympic 470 gold medallist Jo Aleh.
A handful of Australians and some Britons completes the crew.
It is one of four supermaxis contesting this year's race along with Wild Oats XI, Perpetual LOYAL and Scallywag.
