When it comes to Boxing Day, many Before You Bet readers will be on the couch nursing a food hangover waiting for the Cricket to start. But quite a lot will be watching the start of the Annual Rolex Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race - one of the most famous events of it's kind.
The 2016 Sydney to Hobart starts at 1pm in Sydney Harbour on Monday and finishes some 48 hours later at Consistution Dock in Hobart. As a handicapped event, the Sydney to Hobart winner isn't always the yacht that crosses the line first. We will take a look at both line honours and the handicap betting
2016 Sydney To Hobart Line Honours
Wild Oats XI
When it comes to the last decade of the Sydney to Hobart its been hard to look past Wild Oats XI. Since first being launched in 2005, Oats has won 8 Sydney to Hobart’s - aswell as claiming honours at last year's Transpac, which see’s yachts sail from Los Angeles to Hawaii. This year, Oats has again been modified. She had her A5 Spinnaker expanded by approximately 150sm and has changed from check-stays to deflectors, which is highly unusual for a yacht using an inline rig. But no doubt it is always hard to look past Wild Oats XI.
Odds: $1.40 at CrownBet
Perpetual Loyal
Perpetual Loyal is a surprise inclusion this year. After failing to finish the last 2 years, owner Anthony Bell stated earlier this year that she would not be contesting the Hobart. Unlike other years where Loyal's crew has been made up by a combination of celebrities and professional sailors, Bell has this year elected to only have one famous face - Erin Molan from the NRL Footy Show. Instead, the boat is filled with an all-professional crew. The Majority of Loyal's new crew were aboard last years line honours winner Comanche. Loyal has long been touted as the 'fastest yacht' in the world. Due to the crewing situation in past years we have never really seen what she can do. Definitely one to watch.
Odds: $8.00 at Ladbrokes
CQS
CQS is the newest super maxi in the Hobart this year. She was only launched last month and days later took out the line honours at the Round White Island race in New Zealand. However, she isn't completely new as CQS has been built off the existing hull of skipper Ludde Ingvall’s 2004 Line Honours winner Nicorette. CQS has been built on the edge of technology, looking like something out of a science fiction film. Along with her Reverse Bow, she's been fitted with a Dynamic Stability System which are essentially underwater wings that reduce strain on the Keel.
Odds: $10.00 at Sportsbet
Prediction
Wild Oats XI is the clear favourite and to many the best boat in the world. CQS is the 'Frankenstein' of the race, flying in the face of sailing history. Will her modification work out? We will have to wait and see. Perpetual Loyal is - for us - the one to back. She doesn't have a great history, but she's never had a full crew. That, along with current weather forecast for northerly winds, should be able showcase her speed.
Tip: Perpetual Loyal to take 2016 Sydney to Hobart Line Honours - $8 at Ladbrokes
As for Handicap betting we like last year's winner Balance. Partrice is also a chance after she was forced to retire last year when she damaged her mainsail. She sails well during the transitions and can fly through the water. If she can stay healthy she will be a contender. Ichi Ban (JV52) as a 52 footer is an absolute beast. She possesses plenty of speed and recently won the Sydney to Gold Coast by a staggering 6 hours. She is definitely the 52 to beat.
Tip: Balance to be Handicap Sydney to Hobart Winner - $15 at Ladbrokes
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
