If you ask most yachties, they will tell you that Rival has an unrivalled chance of winning this race. Last season's race she finished a very close 4th after appearing to have winning prospects at the entrance to Storm Bay. She still has not won an ocean race but has finished in a place at every start since, including a really good 3rd in the Montague Island race. She certainly looks a good boat and seems at home in every condition. Her crew is more experienced this year and the yacht is no doubt better tuned than last Christmas. The confidence of the LMYC is not misplaced in Rival and her fine crew.