KEY POINTS:
Almost half the fleet has pulled out of the annual Coastal Classic yacht race from Auckland to Russell.
As of last evening, 109 of 229 yachts had withdrawn from the race with more expected to have turned back by this morning.
New Zealand Coastguard said yesterday that the fleet had encountered difficult seas, sailing head-on into up to 30-knot north to northeasterly winds.
Early in the race, a man with head injuries and fractured ribs had to be rescued from a yacht.
The 43-year-old was picked up by a Coastguard vessel sent from the North Shore and landed at Browns Bay.
Around 30 boats withdrew before the start of the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic because of the front due over Northland last night and warnings of 30-40-knot winds and big seas. The remainder left Auckland at 10am, bound for the Bay of Islands, a 119-nautical mile marathon.
The Coastguard said some boats which later pulled out had been damaged, although nothing serious. Conditions were expected to ease overnight. Anyone finding the conditions difficult could turn around and sail home or shelter at Kawau.
Last year's winner Taeping, which had to stop to fix equipment a number of times, and the Open 8.5m Hooters were the first to radio in at Sail Rock, the halfway mark.
The first boats were expected to arrive in Russell late last night.
The event is the biggest coastal yacht race in New Zealand. Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, it is a race designed for speed. The fastest boats can take as little as seven or eight hours in a southerly.
