Sydney to Hobart race demands serious approach, says Onesails Racing skipper Ray Roberts

For all the things that can go wrong in a Sydney to Hobart, one thing that Ray Roberts will be able to say when he sets sail from Friday's start line on his Farr 55 named Onesails Racing is that he and his crew will be as well prepared as possible – some may say more than most.

His boat, the former Living Doll that was runner-up on handicap in the 2011 race, has not only undergone a host of developments, but his crew has been out sailing her as often as possible, not to mention training and preparing for the 628-nautical-mile race south intensely on land as well.

Hence, whispers at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay are growing into regular banter that Onesails Racing could be the boat to watch when it comes to picking a favourite for the Tattersall's Cup for first place on corrected time.

"Having only had the boat for three months, it's been a challenge," said Roberts. "You have to get it fully prepared and then you can work on speed. We have new upwind sails, and it's only in the last week that it has come together. Every boat is different. You have to take a very analytical approach, keep meticulous records of how it performs in different conditions, sail and rig settings, and you need time to bring the crew together. You always need more time, but I am confident we're getting closer."

For Roberts, a 50-footer is the ideal boat to race in the Sydney to Hobart for the win. "To do well in a Hobart you need something around 50 feet long," he said. "It helps you to keep pushing on in extreme conditions when the smaller 40-foot boats will start to drop off."

Roberts' penchant to cover all bases includes ensuring his crew – of which seasoned campaigners Michael Spies and Steve McConaghy are a part – is as fit and rested as possible. "You get a combination of strong and cold winds, and the crew are getting tired. Crew fitness is crucial," Roberts said. "I remember the days when you'd spend two hours in the bar before you went racing, but sailing's changed. I have my crew out training on bikes, getting fit, and I have a strict policy about how much alcohol they can drink over Christmas – and an 11 o'clock evening curfew in the week before the race.

"You have to be serious about how you want to sail the race. I enjoy sailing and the social element, but when I am on the water I'm serious."