Wild weather has forced a number of favourites to pull the pin after the first night of sailing in Australia's annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Yacht Wild Oats XI at the start of the race in Sydney Harbour on Saturday. Photo: AAP
Forecasters predicted winds between 25 and 35 knots on the first night and, by the late evening on day one, 10 of the 108-strong fleet had retired. So far, 15 boats in total have been forced to withdraw.
Defending champion Wild Oats XI is the biggest casualty, with the eight-time line honours winner withdrawn after damage to its mainsail.
The crew of another frontrunner, Perpetual Loyal, also called it quits, after damage to the yacht's rudder.
American contender Comanche also suffered rudder damage but its crew has attempted to fix the problem while racing, with the boat currently in second position.
Fellow American boat Rambler holds a six nautical mile lead over Comanche after 19 hours of sailing.
Wild Oats XI, right, and Ragamuffin 100 in Sydney Harbour on Saturday. Photo: AAP
The winners are expected to cross the finishing line in Hobart, approximately 630 nautical miles from Sydney, on Monday.
The race, which is in its 71st year, is considered Australia's premier blue water yacht race.
