Wild Oats XI training for Sydney Hobart - images

8:57 AM Sun 14 Dec 2008 GMT

'WILD OATS XI, onboard. Sven Runow attaching a drop line for the spinnaker Sydney (AUS) - 14/12/08' Andrea Francolini &copy

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race line honours favourite Wild Oats XI has undergone significant modifications of both gear and sailsl, this year in preparation for owner Bob Oatley and skipper Mark Richards' bid to achieve a record fourth successive line honours victory in the 628 nautical mile race.

Richards has suggested that, given the right weather, the super maxi could sail to Hobart in less than 24 hours.

Sydney photographer Andrea Francolini has been on board the Big Oats in the Hobart lead up.

Here are some of his recent pictures.

WILD OATS XI, onboard. Sydney (AUS) - 14/12/08 - Andrea Francolini&copy

WILD OATS XI, onboard. Sven Runow attaching a drop line for the spinnaker and being brought back on the boat Sydney (AUS) - 14/12/08 - Andrea Francolini&copy

Wild Oats XI - Sydney (AUS) - Andrea Francolini&copy

Wild Oats XI - Sydney (AUS) - Andrea Francolini&copy

Wild Oats XI aiming for her 4th line honours win - &copy Rolex-Carlo Borlenghi

by Peter Campbell

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Wild Oats XI training for Sydney Hobart - images

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