In last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart, James Murchison and James Francis sailed Avalanche to eighth overall in the Double Handed division. It was their third year sailing in that division in which they placed ninth in 2023, after being forced to retire early in 2022 when the Robert Hick 40 design lost her bowsprit at the start.

The 80^th race will be Avalanche’s sixth Sydney Hobart. Owner, Murchison, returns to race her double handed with Francis again this year for their fourth Double Handed season together, the pair remaining optimistic of a solid result.