The largest Sydney to Hobart fleet in a decade is set to contest this year's 70th edition of the classic offshore yacht race.
The largest Sydney to Hobart fleet in a decade is set to contest this year's 70th edition of the classic offshore yacht race.
A total of 119 entries have been received.
The last time more than 100 boats set out from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day was for the 60th race in 2004, when 116 started.
At the top end of this year's fleet will be five supermaxis, headed by Wild Oats XI, the first boat to reach Hobart last year.
She will be going for a record eighth line honours victory.
Wild Oats XI will be chasing a record eighth line honours victory in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Photo: Photosport
The other supermaxis are Perpetual LOYAL, which finished second across the line last year, 87-year-old Syd Fischer's new Ragamuffin 100, highly-rated brand new American boat Comanche and another US entry, RIO 100.
The two American boats apart, the overseas contingent of 10 includes yachts from New Zealand, the Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
Last year's overall winner, New South Wales 50-footer Victoire, will be back to defend her crown.
The size of the fleet and some of the boats will necessitate three start lines.
The Victorian boat Bacardi will extend the record she holds for most appearances in the race to 29 when she sets sail on Boxing Day.