Veteran South Australian yachtsman Keith Flint is returning for Helsal II's 17th Sydney to Hobart campaign with a very experienced crew, including Jim Howell with 21 Hobarts to his credit, on board. Previous wins for this yacht include line honours in the 1989 Melbourne to Hobart and the 1991 Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race, for which she holds the race record, as well is a 1st in her division for the 50th anniversary Sydney to Hobart Race.