The navigator onboard the Sydney to Hobart line honours favourite Wild Oats XI says the yacht is in calm seas as she heads south along the Tasmanian coast with a healthy lead in the race.
The fleet was reduced to 71 boats on Tuesday morning, following the overnight withdrawals of Pirelli Celestial, Salona II, Nemesis and last year's overall winner Two True.
The NSW yacht Pirelli Celestial had problems with her mainsail, Sydney's Salona had steering troubles, while Two True had engine issues.
The cause of Nemesis' retirement remains unknown.
Wild Oats, gunning for her fifth line honours title, was midway down the Tasmanian east coast by Tuesday morning, with a 17 nautical mile lead over its nearest rival fellow supermaxi Investec LOYAL.
The weather turned nasty off the southern NSW coast on Monday, with gale force winds bringing about the withdrawal of five boats within an hour.
Among the casualties are former line honours winners Brindabella, which suffered a torn mainsail, and YuuZoo, which had headsail damage.
Victoire leads the race for handicap honours, followed by fellow Sydney yachts Ragamuffin and Paca.
The first teams to arrive are expected in Hobart late on Tuesday night.
