Wild Oats XI's retirement from this year's Sydney to Hobart came as a big shock to owner Sandy Oatley and his team, including the "gobsmacked" hydraulic people.

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Supermaxi Wlld Oats XI has been forced to retire from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race for the second straight year, this time due to hydraulic ram issues.

Supermaxi Wild Oats XI remains on record pace while maintaining her lead at the front of the Sydney to Hobart fleet.

Supermaxi Wild Oats XI has slowly but surely lengthened its Sydney to Hobart lead but the real mover overnight has been New Zealand entry Giacomo.

Eight-time line honours winner Wild Oats XI has recovered from missing the start in the Sydney to Hobart to take the lead in a three-way battle with Anthony Bell's Perpetual Loyal and Scallywag.

Shane Gaddes hopes to be raising his glass in success at Customs House following the Sydney to Hobart.

Newcastle yachts Freyja and Dare Devil have been forced to retire from the Sydney To Hobart.

This year's Sydney To Hobart is shaping up to be the fastest of all time after a favourable weather forecast.

Erik Adriaanse is gearing up for his 28th Sydney to Hobart campaign but he still has "many moments" where he questions why he is even there.

If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

James Spithill believes Comanche is capable of setting a Sydney To Hobart race record if it returns to the race.

Some of the great identities in Sydney to Hobart history will be missing or playing a less prominent role this year, but their presence will still be felt.

Scallywag looks poised to provide the strongest challenge to Wild Oats XI in this year's Sydney To Hobart.

Uncertainty over the strength and duration of the forecast southerly is looming as the biggest factor in this year's Sydney to Hobart.

Canberra boat Pelagic Magic will take on the Sydney to Hobart with a skipper boasting 60 years of experience.

Sweden's Jonas Grander and Richard Goransson are preparing for a rough trip to Hobart.

This year's Sydney To Hobart will be the first since the deaths of Bob Oatley and Roger Hickman.

Komatsu Azzarro skipper Shane Kearns is desperate to claim overall honours in the Sydney To Hobart.

Wild Oats XI is targeting its Sydney to Hobart race record after a favourable weather forecast.