The supermaxi had won the Sydney to Hobart warm-up event seven times running before last year.  Comanche  went on to take line honours in the Bluewater Classic after Wild Oats XI incurred a penalty for an incident near Sydney Heads.

"All the boats are going faster than they ever have before," Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richardson said.

Sydney to Hobart media reports there will be a fleet of 92 boats contest this year’s run, one of the biggest events yet with Wild Oats XI to be one of five 100-foot super maxis taking part. 

There is also 13 international teams ready to line up for the canon-fire start on Boxing Day as well as genuine classic yacht – the 1971 event winning Kialoa II, built in 1964. 

“I am delighted at the size and quality of the fleet. Talking to several owners, it’s clear that a number are seeing this year’s race as part of a two-year campaign taking us into the 75th anniversary race in 2019,” Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Paul Billingham told Sydney to Hobart media. 

“When you look at the full list of entries that there is a real feeling of depth and quality. A number of yachts new to the race will make appearances.”

Commanche remains the favourite for the race, but did not compete in the Big Boat challenge on the harbour. 

Some questioned the absence, but designers were quick to point out the racing yacht’s capability as an ocean-racer rather than the tighter confines of the harbour. 

Richardson said he respected Comanche's decision not to participate, and characterised the Big Boat Challenge and Sydney to Hobart as "two totally different races."

It’s a broad fleet of competitors with the 100-footers expected to lead the charge, but there are a number of competitive 60s, 50s and some yachts a small as 40-feet-long set to race the 628-nautical miles south. 

Arguably one of the world’s most iconic ocean-sailing races, officials said a number of crews were hoping to apply liberal pressure to Commanche’s race record of one day, nine hours and 15 minutes. 

The launch and race coverage will be televised on 7Mate with the race to start at approximately 1pm on December 26. 

Eden will once more serve as a key safe harbour for retiring boats with Wild Oats seeking shelter here in 2016.

But with a solid wind forecast, organisers are expecting a great race. 

“It is shaping up to be an amazing 74^th editiion,” Billingham said.