Callisto - one of four New Zealand entries - is being tipped as a contender for overall honours in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race

Three of the entries, including Callisto, fall under the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron flag.

The other is Vixen, skippered by Sharon Ferris-Choat, who leads an all-female crew.

Race commentator Peter Shipway - who won overall honours in the 1970s - says Callisto is a real shot.



The PAC 52 boat skippered by James Murray features the likes of former Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker on board.

The race starts at 3pm.