The strong 85-boat fleet gathering in Sydney for the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race includes nine overseas entries; six from the UK and one each from the USA, Mexico and New Zealand.

Among the overseas entries is the 2001 line honours winner, then named Assa Abloy, now named Hugo Boss II. This Volvo 60 from the UK is campaigning under the banner of Alex Thomson Racing, alongside the British short-handed sailor’s Open 60 campaign. Thomson is currently sailing in the two-handed, non-stop Barcelona World Race around the world with Australian Andrew Cape.

Meanwhile, Hugo Boss II is in Sydney on the last stage of a world tour that has kept the sponsor’s flag flying on a passage from Portsmouth to New York, the Transpac Race and passages through Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, to Sydney for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, where she will be skippered by Ross Daniel. Alex Thomson Racing gave her a three-month refit before she sailed from New York in May.

The British Beneteau First 47.7, Decosol Marine Sailplane finished sixth in division and 14th overall in this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race. She will be skippered by John Danby and Robert Bottomley. The Frers-designed Swan 57 Noonmark VI from Great Britain, owned by Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy and skippered by Mike Gilburt is on an around-the-world cruise interspersed with some racing. Full list of nominated yachts available from: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com