The fleet — 129 boats of all sizes — carved a corridor through the swirling start line at Rushcutters Bay at 1300 on Boxing Day, bows pointed toward Hobart and hearts set on legend. From the outset it was clear this wouldn’t be a procession. Strong southerly winds, pounding swells and an unforgiving Bass Strait test meant the battle would be as much about staying in it as being fast. Nine