Wild Oats XI is headed for line honours in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as wild weather forced the withdrawal of more yachts.
16 vessels have now withdrawn leaving 71 boats, following the overnight withdrawals of Pirelli Celestial, Salona II, Nemesis and last year's overall winner Two True.
Wild Oats is midway down the Tasmanian east coast with a lead of more than 18 nautical miles over nearest rival and fellow supermaxi Investec LOYAL, with Lahana followed by Ichi Ban more than 20 miles further behind and Wild Thing slipping back to sixth, 63 miles behind Oats.
The winner is expected to reach Hobart early on Wednesday morning.
Ragamuffin leads the race for handicap honours, followed by fellow Sydney yachts Victoire and Paca.
