Yachting: Slow race drama develops

HOBART - A Sydney to Hobart yacht carrying a bevy of Australian sport stars has safely made its way up the Derwent as the race focus turns to concerns about a southerly buster and handicap honours.

Only eight of the 95 yachts have drifted into Hobart so far after more than three days of light sailing, with only about 12 due to have reached Hobart on Tuesday.

Investec Loyal, carrying champion boxer Danny Green, former Wallaby Phil Waugh and Olympic swimming great Grant Hackett, finished fourth over the line on Tuesday.

They crossed about 10 hours after New Zealand maxi Alfa Romeo took line honours and two hours after second-placed Wild Oats XI had left for Sydney.

Green faced his fear of going to sea but said he was terrified at times.

"The whole thing was a buzz," the boxer said, adding he was headed for a shower and a glass of cold beer.

Hackett said he was keen for another crack at the race.

"I've got a new respect for sailors," he said.

"I was really excited to do it and now that we are on the other side, so close to the podium, it feels very fulfilling."

Waugh said he survived some hairy moments but enjoyed the experience.

"Physically it was harder than I thought," the flanker said.

Rationing of food and water due to the slow pace has started on some of the 70 foot racing hulls, which are packed as light as possible and fitted with the minimum of gear.

Pies were supplied to Investec Loyal, which ran out of food on Monday, and Lahana as soon as they docked in Hobart.

Most of the fleet is still inching its way down Tasmania's east coast. Tailender Polaris of Belmont is yet to cross Bass Strait, and is due in Hobart on January 2.

But the fleet's gentle ride will be upset as they head into a southerly buster.

The Bureau of Meteorology had issued a strong wind warning until midnight on Tuesday, forecasting southerly gusts up to 30 knots late in the afternoon and three-metre seas.

CYCA Commodore Matt Allen, who skippered Ichi Ban sixth over the line, is tipping the overall winner will come from the 50 footers.

"I'd be looking to see if they can beat Ran," he said.

"Ran has got the best corrected time at the dock, so you would put her as one of the favourites.

"But I think Yendys and some of the 50 footers might have chance of knocking Ran off.

"I would discount boats smaller than 50 foot at this stage."

The race for handicap honours is not expected to become clear until today.

Wild Oats meanwhile is sailing back to Sydney.

The four time defending champion left on Tuesday, six hours after arriving at midnight.

"They had planned to leave at 4am but it took a bit longer to get food and supplies on board and change the racing sails for the delivery voyage sails," spokesman Rob Mundle said.

Most of the race crew will be replaced by a delivery team.

Last year Wild Oats returned to Sydney faster than the race record time she set beating Alfa Romeo in 2005 - one day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds.

Wild Oats and a number of other Sydney to Hobart yachts are making the quick turnaround so they can contest the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race starting January 2.

- AAP