Wild Oats XI on brink of history

Wild Oats XI remains the clear leader in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and is midway down Tasmania's east coast.

The Mark Richards-skippered supermaxi maintained a steady 39-nautical mile lead over rival Comanche, supported by northwesterly winds overnight.

"Currently keeping us both on our toes and out of bed," @WildOatsXI tweeted about midnight (AEDT) of the conditions.

The 100-footer is vying for a record eighth line honours finish at Hobart's Constitution Dock, still some 120 nautical miles away.

On current projections she should reach the Derwent River by mid-afternoon Sunday, well behind the race record pace she set in 2012.

Third-placed Ragamuffin 100 is 124 nautical miles from Wild Oats XI and leads the main race pack which continues to cross Bass Strait.

American boat Rio 100 is in fourth.

Retired celebrity yacht Perpetual Loyal has docked in Sydney's Rose Bay Marina this morningafter being forced to pull out of the race due to hull damage.