That said, we don't have the advantages enjoyed by some of the other maxis in the fleet. We have a conventional fixed keel and all our winches are man-powered. Some boats, such as Wild Oats and Loyal, have electric or hydraulic winches, meaning that sails can be brought in and hoisted with the flick of a switch. Not so for Lahana. For us, we rely on traditional manpower, which is why we have 10 grinders aboard.

Technology plays an interesting role in the race these days. This will be my 16th Sydney to Hobart and, despite the advances made over the years, you still require the seamanship and knowledge of yesteryear to compete. Where technology has helped, however, is in the areas of communication and construction. We now have computers, the latest navigation equipment and satellite phones which allow us to stay in contact with race organisers and receive constant weather updates. Sails have become more robust and boats stiffer, while the use of carbon fibre in construction has made us faster and lighter. In terms of speed, it would be hard to compare Brindabella of 1997 to the new 80-footers.

I expect this to be a classic Sydney to Hobart, similar to many of those raced during the 1980s and '90s. There will be a nor'easter followed by a southerly front on the first night with winds up to 40 knots in Bass Strait. After that the fleet should compress as the wind abates, and we will be left with an interesting tactical race down the Tasmanian coastline.

I believe Lahana is a realistic top-five chance. As mentioned, owners Peter Millard and John Honan have assembled a veteran crew. Bob Fraser (tactician and helmsman), Carl Crawford (navigator), Andrew Jackson (sailing master), Stephen Byron (grinder), Peter Sheldrick (bowman) represent the core of experience, and have been racing aboard Lahana for more than a year, taking in all the long lead-up races.

The key to this race for us and the rest of the fleet will be good seamanship and not breaking any of our gear in the heavy weather that has been forecast. Thankfully, no one is expecting the conditions we experienced in 1998 - that still brings back memories, including the feeling of Brindabella being airborne after we were launched off a wave.

After 16 years of Sydney to Hobarts, I don't quite experience the nerves I once did, but the feeling of excitement and trepidation will certainly be there this morning given the Bass Strait forecast. The last 30 seconds before the starter's gun can be particularly tricky as competitors are jockeying for position and spectator crafts cover the harbour. This is where you need an experienced helmsman to get you through all the weaving and ducking and deliver you safely out through the Heads.

Geoff Cropley is lead trimmer and helmsman for Lahana. Lahana is raising money for Ronald McDonald House. Donate at www.everydayhero.com.au/manildra-group-lahana