Pinta-M has raced successfully offshore on the North Sea and placed fifth overall in the Rolex Fastnet Race in 2005. Like the S & S 47 Love & War, which claimed overall honours in the 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart, Pinta-M performs exceptionally well upwind in a stiff breeze. Pinta-M commenced her journey to Australia from Europe in mid-October and is due to arrive in Sydney at the beginning of December. Blei and the boat’s previous owner will greet the boat in Sydney and begin preparations for her debut race south.  "The crew will arrive in Australia approximately one week before the start of the race to finish off preparations and acclimatise,” said Blei