ICAP Leopard, the 100ft super-maxi owned by Helical Bar PLC chief executive Mike Slade, is about to arrive in Australia to begin preparations for the Rolex Sydney-Hobart race. Having already taken line-honours in the Rolex Fastnet and Middle Sea races earlier this year, the heavyweight British challenger will make its bid to win a prestigious treble in offshore racing.
 
Whilst Leopard will be hoping for more moderate conditions than those of the tragic ’98 race, Slade and his crew will still be eyeing the forecasts and praying for a stiff breeze.
 
Up against the super-maxi will be the relatively lightweight Antipodean sisterships Alfa Romeo (New Zealand), and local favourite Wild Oats XI. Oats is hunting an unprecedented fifth victory in a row and, should the wind stay light, the Brits will have their work cut out to end her streak.
 
Mike Slade commented: “We are all looking forward to having a second crack of the whip at the Sydney Hobart. The race is one of the most famous in the world, the treble is on and we are up against the best the south has to offer. All I want for Christmas now is a decent breeze and a lightning-quick run to Hobart!”
 
Leopard’s crew will consist of the same team that have formed such a successful unit so far this year. Volvo Ocean Race stars Justin Slattery, Rob Greenhalgh, the Salter brothers and Brad Jackson will be teamed with the America’s Cup luminary Ray Davies. Preparations are underway and, given the right conditions, ICAP Leopard certainly has the horsepower.

For more on the race, visit rolexsydneyhobart.com