More than a third of the yachts have so far dropped out of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as tough conditions continue to challenge the competitors.
As of 6pm EST, 32 yachts had withdrawn from the 88-strong fleet that left the starting line in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.
A number of issues have forced the drop-outs, including crew injury, rigging issues, broken forestays, torn mainsails, engine issues and rigging damage.
Ahead of the race, two yachts - the Willow and Maverick 49 - pulled out over COVID-19 positive tests and concerns about the spread of the virus.
Cruising Yacht club of Australia commodore Noel Cornish said the challenges this year make the race particularly memorable.
"Every now and again you get a race like this. We've got a lot of torn mainsails and some rigging damage that has predominantly taken these boats out," he told reporters in Hobart.
"It will be known as a good Hobart. Over the recent years, people have had a pretty easy Hobart."
The last time the race saw a similar number of yachts retire was in 2015 when 25 dropped out from a starting field of 84.
"It was a pretty tough race that year as well, like this," Mr Cornish said.
Despite the high number of yachts withdrawing, the Race Village in Hobart was filled with excited attendees.
Kim Kelly and her family are visiting Tasmania from Cairns with the race a highlight of their trip.
Kim Kelly (right) is visiting Hobart from Cairns with her family. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
"We've got some family members here already, and another 10 on their way," she said.
"It just feels surreal. Last year's plans were pulled to a halt, and so this year we just feel so grateful to get on a plane and come down here. You can already feel the atmosphere starting to build which is exciting."
Geoff Perrie and Gemma Cummins from NSW planned their trip to Hobart without realising the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was happening, but they're excited they now get to experience the race close-up.
"We're here by accident, our holidays aligned with the race. This is our first time we're going to be here to see the end of the race. We're here for another two nights, so we'll definitely be here to see the end."
Couple Gemma Cummins and Geoff Perrie happened to be in Hobart at the same time as the race, and are excited to see the action. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
As a nurse, Ms Cummins said the holiday is a much-needed break for her.
"It's really good to see the race, I've only ever seen it on television," she said.
