A Swedish trimaran crew is hoping to slash at least 10 days off the record for multihull yachts in the Cape-to-Rio race.
Nicator, built initially for single-handed racing, is to make an attempt at the record when the first batch of competitors sets sail on Saturday.
The second batch of competitors sets out on January 11.
The multihull record, set in 1993, is just over 20 days. The American maxi, Zephyrus IV, set the monohull record of 12 days 16 hours and 49 minutes with a faultless performance in 2000.
According to Nicator's skipper, Klas Nylöf, these new-generation trimarans are extremely fast and "spectacular to watch".
"The 3 500-mile (about 5632,7km), traditionally downwind ocean classic between Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro provides prefect conditions for these boats. With the capability of hitting top speeds of more than 35 knots, a trimaran in full flight is one of the most impressive sights on the ocean."
Nicator sports a mast of more than 30m and her largest sail is 220sq m.
According to the South African member of Nicator's crew, Jan Reuvers, the trimaran could do the crossing in less than 10 days.
"If we have the same conditions as during the 2000 race, we'll be looking at a crossing of 10 days," he said. "With the right wind we could slash the record to nine days. Nicator is an awesome machine and with such an experienced crew, we're expecting a cracker of a race."
Nicator holds several records, including those for the Round Ireland, the Hawaii-Japan and Miami-Montego Bay races.