The 68th edition of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been launched in Sydney with Ragamuffin Loyal and Wild Oats XI expected to resume hostilities for line honours.
Despite sporting a smaller field than last year's race, it promises to remain fiercely competitive, with defending champion Investec LOYAL - now called Ragamuffin LOYAL - and five-time winner Wild Oats XI to dominate proceedings.
The favourite for handicap honours is last year's winner Loki.
Of the 80-strong fleet - down from 88 in 2011 - four are maxis, nine are previous winners and four are from overseas.
