Madame Defarge is the first of the radical new Lexcen designs sporting the famous winged keel. Launched only in October she has demonstrated blistering speed downhill and will be hanging around the lead in a downhill blow. She also sports a highly talented crew, including Australia II's tactician Hugh Treharne and former World Half Ton Champion Tom Stephenson, and she will be a good bet if the race favours the larger yachts.