Since arriving under the cover of darkness in the crisp hours of an October morning, the new hull of Syd Fischer's super maxi has fuelled the rumour and intrigue that characterises the lead-up to the Sydney to Hobart race.
Little bottler: Paralympian Liesl Tesch christens Ragamuffin 100 with Syd Fischer. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
The veil of secrecy was lifted on Tuesday morning, as Fischer launched the modified Ragamuffin 100, sporting its sleek new hull fitted to the refurbished deck of its previous iteration.
In addition, the super maxi has a new canting keel, water ballast, twin rudders and new sail wardrobe.
Describing it as "one big facelift", the veteran skipper said Ragamuffin was "due" for a win, with Fischer last taking line honours aboard previous Ragamuffins in 1988 and 1990.
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"We've looked at all the numbers and shapes of other boats and I think we've done the right thing," Fischer said.
The 100-foot (30-metre) super maxi is best suited to run before the wind, Fischer said, but added he was confident that "she will cope with anything".
When Boxing Day arrives, Fischer, 87, will be the oldest yachtsman to contest the 70th edition of the premier ocean race.
With the yacht's launch, Fischer also kicked off his 46th Sydney to Hobart campaign, making him one of just three yachtsmen to surpass 45 races.
The secret to his longevity, he said, was "being a silly old bugger".
In a friendly dig at Fischer's arch rival and fellow octogenarian, Bob Oatley, whose Wild Oats XI is seeking its eighth line honour in the Boxing Day race, the super maxi's hull was christened with champagne from the Oatley vineyards.
Fittingly perhaps, the champagne proved an obstinate challenger itself, taking Paralympic gold medallist Liesl Tesch four attempts before bubbles spilled across the hull.
In a display of camaraderie that transcends the fiercely competitive nature of the race, Bob Oatley was among the faces in the crowd watching the spectacle.
Fischer has also fitted the Ragamuffin 100 with one of his rival's old fins.
"It was his spare one. I don't think he knew I was going to put it on a new hull," he said.
With just over three weeks until race day, this year's Sydney to Hobart is expected to feature the fiercest line honours showdown in years, with bets open on Wild Oats XI, Perpetual Loyal, RIO 100, and the brand new Comanche, owned by American entrepeneur Jim Clark.
And, of course, Ragamuffin 100.
"We've got a crew that's done a lot of sailing," Fischer said. "I think we'll do well."