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Hydroflow Ron Brittain’s record breaking 16m sloop is poised to go head to head with the Australian yachts for the prestigious line honours trophy when the 2004 International Hog’s Breath Race Week starts of Airlie Beach on Friday morning

The power sailing New Zealand sloop Hydroflow, designed rigged and raced as a sprint machine recently broke the Auckland to Noumea race record on her delivery voyage to Australia.

As a result of this performance the Hydroflow crew has firmed as the most likely combination to challenge the Colin O’Neil skippered Aftershock and the two Volvo Globe Race yachts Andrew Short Marine and Seriously Ten for the fastest course times.

All four yachts are radically different however they have similar speed potential which sets the stage for ‘drag race’ to decide the ultimate winner of the ‘Boss Hog’ trophy when the final race is decided on Thursday August 19.

The Volvo crews will need more ‘grunt’ in the breeze while both Hydroflow and Aftershock will be more suited to the 10-15 knot forecast.

Aftershock owned by victorious 2003 Australian Admirals Cup team skipper Colin O’Neil returns after winning the Boss Hog Trophy in 2002.

Owner O’Neil and his principal helmsman Stephen McConaghy and mainsail trimmer Richie Allanson are impressed with the ‘new’ Aftershock following her keel and rig upgrade.

'There is a significant speed improvement with the new Riechel/Pugh keel, now it will be up to the crew to see how much faster Aftershock is in full racing mode'. McConaghy said.

Further information from Ian Grant at Airlie Beach 0427 592-664