Black Jack captain Mark Bradford concedes a lack of recent racing could put his line honours contending boat at a disadvantage against the other two supermaxis heading into this month's Sydney to Hobart.
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The boat didn't line up alongside supermaxi rivals SHK Scallywag 100 and LawConnect in the four-race Australian maxi championship held during the last week.
A positive COVID-19 test for one of the Black Jack crew over a week ago led to change of plan for the boat, which is representing the Yacht Club de Monaco in the iconic race starting on Boxing Day.
"Everyone went home to regroup," Bradford told AAP.
"In a couple of weeks we'll come back together and do a little training block before the race.
'"We'll start just before the Hobart now, so on December 20 and 21 we'll sail again.
"It pushed the whole program back a little bit."
Bradford pointed out an extensive lead-up didn't guarantee a good race result, referring to 2019 when Black Jack enjoyed a lengthy preparation but only finished fifth across the line behind four other supermaxis.
Key members of the other two supermaxis had different opinions about how the lack of race preparation might affect Black Jack.
"I think Squark (Bradford) would be a little concerned," SHK Scallywag 100 skipper David Witt said.
"He's got a brand new rig he's put in the boat and hasn't been able to sail it yet.
"You learn a lot more racing someone else than you do sailing around.
"But they (Black Jack) will still be red-hot.
"A very good crew, a very good boat."
LawConnect boat captain Ty Oxley doubted the lack of race preparation would unduly affect Black Jack's prospects.
"I think they've still got plenty of time to get on the water and do what they need to do. I don't think that should hold them back at all.
"Obviously they are not in race condition, but they will still get plenty of training in."
Australian Associated Press
