Il Capo rocks out with the Commodore

If you were after brand awareness, naming the fastest supermaxi the world has ever seen is a good way to ensure people know you make cars and light commercials - LDV Comanche © Andrea Francolini

Just before the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race begins for another year, Il Capo (aka Andrea Francolini) rocks out with the Commodore aboard LDV Comanche. Gentleman Jim Cooney only just bought the big red girl, but he was good enough to have Andrea Francolini head offshore with them for a training session.

Whilst many would be praying for a nice Nor'Easter on Boxing Day, I am hoping for a fresh Sou'Wester. Why? Because I want to see LDV Comanche break her own four and half minute record for the run to the Heads. Yes. 'Just look at that thing go!' Indeed, Sir. Indeed. In the meantime, the leader of the DSLR fraternity, Andrea Francolini, gives us more of his unique perspective into these magnificent craft.

Ken Read always said 25 Degrees was her optimum angle of heel. In this way, VPLP and man of the hour, Guillame Verdier, gave her less wetter surface area than the R/P pencils. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Clear the flight deck, we have a squadron of F14 Tomcats to land. The 'Aircraft Carrier' has a wee bit of acreage down aft... - photo © Andrea Francolini

Now that's one hell of a black snake! We have yellow and red belly ones in the land of Oz, and they are lethal, but the white stripe variety appears docile enough. Like a cobra, however, watch out when it fans out.... - photo © Andrea Francolini

Is this an even bigger black snake? This one takes five souls to handle it, not two. - photo © Andrea Francolini

One James Spithill - awesome person to have as a helmer on board LDV Comanche, for he knows a thing or two about pace. - photo © Andrea Francolini

No asterisk next to her many records - Unlike her other brethren, LDV Comanche uses grinders, not buttons. - photo © Andrea Francolini

As Queen said - girls of large girth - she's a few years old now, but you never tire of seeing that mast stepped way aft, and the boom hanging over the transom. Giddy Up!!! - photo © Andrea Francolini

Only your really, really, really good mates would tell you this is your best angle. - photo © Andrea Francolini

With a fore triangle like hers, it is little wonder LDV Comanches needs so many of the crew to move her sails about. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Not that her bow spends that much time in the water, but the solid chine certainly helps with stopping her going down the mine - LDV Comanche - photo © Andrea Francolini