Il Duce's view of Comancheria 2019

by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 20 Dec 2019 15:56 AEDT

On a blast reach no supermaxi has shown the pace of the 'aircraft carrier' - Jim and Samantha Cooney's Comanche © Andrea Francolini

Il Duce, legendary shooter Andrea Francolini, got out on Comanche in the lead up to the 75th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and turned in this gallery of images from on board the current record holder.

When you're that beamy, and designed to heel at 20 degrees plus, best not to have a fear of heights when the tail is on the rail. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Only one boat in the Hobart is this big - Comanche. - photo © Andrea Francolini

No water on the deck - won't last for too long... - photo © Andrea Francolini

Now you get an idea as to why it is called Adventure Island when for'ard of the stick. - photo © Andrea Francolini

And as you can see from the sea state under the foot, this is a benign day. When hurtling along it would be more like a cold fire hose blasting you in the face, and trying to knock your feet out from under you! - photo © Andrea Francolini

As the super maxis got faster and faster the three headsail sail plan has limited the number of rags on board, but there is still need for some changes. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Staring down the barrel? You know Comanche wants another win, and just needs the puff to go with it. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Plenty of talent on board Comanche for the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. - photo © Andrea Francolini

Jim Cooney on the helm of his Line Honours record holder - Comanche - photo © Andrea Francolini

Il Duce's view of Comancheria 2019

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