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Alive, one of the few Tasmanian entries, finished the race yesterday afternoon in good time to set a benchmark for the rest of the fleet. Its crew face a nervous wait to see if the other yachts still sailing overtake it, which on yesterday evening’s standings, is likely. Wild OatsX, skippered by Volvo Ocean Race veteran Stacey Jackson and crewed entirely by women, also finished yesterday just off Alive’s time, putting it out of contention.

Among the overall honours contenders still racing are Ichi Ban, skippered by Sailing Australia president Matt Allen, and veteran sailor Bruce Taylor’s perennial competitor, Chutzpah.

Ichi Ban is hoping to be the first boat to win back-to-back overall honours in more than 50 years.
From overseas Privateer, a New York entry, is also in the mix along with local NSW yacht Smuggler.
The weather remains a wildcard. Billingham said winds were predicted to remain fairly strong along the east coast of Tasmania today, giving yachts still racing a boost.

With the fast boats finishing today, having raced through light to moderate winds, only the boats still on the water will benefit from the forecast better sailing weather.

The race for overall honours has been chaotic, with numerous yachts taking the lead over the course of the race as winds picked up and slackened. On its journey south, Ichi Ban has seesawed between the lead and as far back as 32nd place.

Meanwhile, 2 Unlimited broke its rudder after hitting a sunfish and was forced to retire from the race. Last year Hollywood Boulevard struck a sunfish on the way back from Hobart.