The vessel, owned by David Lyall, of Beaconsfield, is proudly flying the colours of the University of Tasmania — part of a $50,000 sponsorship deal for the facility’s 125th anniversary.

Dr Lyall, who will skipper the vessel, was yesterday cooly confident of the yacht’s performance in the upcoming race.

He said the powerful boat was primed and ready to meet the challenges put forward by bigger entrants.

‘‘You can stay in the same weather pattern as the bigger yachts, if you can you’ll be in there with them, or within reach on handicap,’’ Dr Lyall said.

‘‘The Sydney to Hobart is forecast to be southerly for the first 24 hours, the bigger boats won’t be able to streak off, if they push them too hard they break.

‘‘We’ll probably average better speeds than what they do and we’ll not let them get that far in front of us, that’s the plan.’’

The yacht’s 15-strong crew has members varying in age from 23 to 65, with Dr Lyall boasting 40 years’ sailing experience.

He said the opportunity to gain sponsorship was a big deal for a non-professional yachting crew, particularly in light of the global financial crisis.

The crew has so far been training at inland regattas in an effort to hone their skills before this week’s race.

■Motley crew braves the high seas: Page 20; Strong winds forecast: Page 52