Intro:

American 100-footer Comanche led the 117-yacht field after the start of the 70th Sydney to Hobart Race on Friday (26 December).

Script:

After celebrations to commemorate the 70th edition of the Sydney to Hobart Race, a field of 117 international yachts - the largest fleet since 1994- started from Sydney Harbour.

The traditional 628-nautical mile Boxing Day race saw American yacht Comanche get off to an impressive start, reaching the first course mark at record speed.

With the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as a backdrop, the yachts enjoyed a 15 to 18 knot southeasterly breeze which helped them off in what is thought to be a record start.

The international contingent comes from New Zealand, the Cayman Islands, Britain, Poland, Germany and the United States.

Seven-time champion Wild Oats XI tried to keep pace with the rampant Comanche.

Despite the American yacht's strong early running, strong winds of up to 27 knots proved difficult for the rest of the field with four retirements already recorded.

As the first day came to an end the boats begin tomorrow in a straight southerly route in the direction of Hobart.