Ragamuffin faces Chivas Racing in first clash of the super maxis in Asia

It is being billed as the first super maxi clash in Asia and one that Geoff Hill, master and commander of the Audi Hong Kong to Vietnam Race, believes will raise the profile of yacht racing to unprecedented heights.

The clash of the titans - Chivas Racing and Ragamuffin - will put an entirely new light on the biennial 656-nautical mile downwind dash from Hong Kong to Nha Trang in Vietnam, starting on Thursday.

Seventeen boats, almost double the number of nine that took part in the 2011 edition, have entered the race with line honours expected to be a duel between the two 90-footers. Hill, who will be on Ragamuffin, is more excited by the fact that the 2013 race will be almost a coming-of-age for Hong Kong sailing.

"This is the biggest offshore race in Asia and, with the two Maxis competing, it is bound to lift the whole stature of the race globally," said Hill, chairman of the RHKYC's race committee and intrepid sailor.

"For Hong Kong, it is our premier offshore race, the only offshore race in Asia, which is nearly 700 miles and a category one event. It is truly a world-class race and every time it continues to grow in stature," said Hill. "And the fact that we have two Maxis competing for the first time will increase interest, especially from Australia."

The evidence is plain to see. For the first time, Australia's most experienced and well-known sailor, 86-year-old Syd Fischer, will take part in the race. The five-time America's Cup sailor and owner of Ragamuffin says he is looking forward to the challenge.