Calm start to Sydney to Hobart Race

First night frights were kept to a minimum in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race.

There was only one early retirement as the rest of the 87 starters battled their way south on the 628-mile course to Tasmania.

Britain’s 72-foot Ran, owned by Niklas Zennstrom and skippered by Tim Powell, was fourth on the water and third on handicap as Bob Oatley’s 100-foot Wild Oats, first home in four of the last five years and the current record holder, led the fleet.

But the winds are predicted to build to gale force from the south west as the leaders tackle the Bass Strait over the second day and night.