This was published 11 years ago
Sydney to Hobart 'anyone's race'
A fleet of 117 boats has set sail in the prized Sydney to Hobart yacht race, foreshadowed to be one of the closest battles in the event's history.
The boats face 15 to 20 knot winds that will freshen to 20 to 30 knots as the fleet heads down the NSW coast.
While it will be bumpy tonight, challenges of a different kind await the fleet tomorrow morning, especially the five supermaxis which are competing, as the forecast winds lighten significantly.
The American supermaxi blitzed the fleet to be first out of Sydney Heads.
Wild Oats XI is bidding for a record eighth line honours title.
The boat was second out of the Heads.
Wild Oats XI owner Bob Oatley (left) watches the start of the race.
The fleet of yachts set out under south-easterly breezes.
Clogging the waterways up and out of Sydney Heads.
Perpetual Loyal is one of the five supermaxis competing.
The start to the Sydney to Hobart is one of sport's great spectacles.
Thousands of spectators line Sydney harbour to watch the race start.
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