She's the 88-footer expected to challenge the supermaxis in the Sydney to Hobart, but Rambler 88 tactician Brad Butterworth simply wants her to finish the race in one piece.
Early weather forecasts of a torrid opening night in the annual dash down the east coast have evoked memories of the deadly 1998 event that claimed six lives and sank five boats.
The Boxing Day start will mark the first time Butterworth has taken part since winning line honours with a heavy heart aboard Sayonara in that 1998 race.
"I remember that the wind gear blew off the top of the rig at 72 knots. You're paying attention when that happens," the New Zealander recalled.
"You were happy to get to Hobart, really."
Over 50 sailors also had to be rescued in 1998, when winds reached up to 90 knots.
The initial scenes upon his arrival in Hobart alongside skipper Larry Ellison - who has yet to return to the blue water classic - have long stuck with the four-time America's Cup winner.
"One of the shocking things for me was to watch a few of those things after the race, just in sight of land," he said.
"For us as professionals who've done around-the-world races, the conditions were extreme. But it wasn't something you worried about - losing your life."
And with early predictions of up to 50 knots once this year's fleet leave the harbour, crews have begun preparing for worst-case scenarios.
However Butterworth believed the catastrophe had at a positive impact on the famous race, with improved safety precautions.
"That race has changed the way that boats are allowed to race in this race, which is a good thing," he said.
"Boats just can't take off from here on a beautiful Sydney day with everybody out there waving you off and then a day later you're in extreme southern ocean conditions, which'll be similar to what this race will be like.
"That doesn't happen anymore. Unfortunately six good men died, but something good came of that in the long run."
Rambler 88 owner George David recalled his own capsize in 2011 that forced him into ensuring safety on his yacht was "more than any other boat on the race course".
The keel had fallen off his 100-metre yacht in the Fastnet race off Ireland, forcing the boat to flip and throwing 21 sailors into the water. All survived.
"As Brad experienced in 1998, it does focus the mind," David said.
"It focuses not only on the preparation of the boat, but also on conduct of the crew in tough conditions and the informed use of safety gear.
"At least for me, that's a tremendous lesson coming out of the Fastnet capsize. We had 21 sailors and 21 survivors with a boat upside down.
"We emphasise safety almost more than any other boat on the race course, having had that experience, and Brad's had it too."
Share
