The fleet has still been warned there is the possibility of strong winds down the coast, as well as a chance of showers at the start. Mark Richards, skipper of nine-time line honours champion Palm Beach XI — formerly known as Wild Oats XI — felt the fleet was in as safe hands as possible. SHK Scallywag 100 skipper David Witt made a snoring sound during Beck’s comments at the line honours press conference, with Allen also sceptical. "It’s going to be really on for line honours. "With these weather conditions, LawConnect is not a s...box."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 25, 2025 15:58 UTC