Maritimo is building a healthy lead in the Melbourne Hobart yacht race as the field endures tough conditions down the Tasmanian west coast.
Michael Spies' boat leads Scarlet Runner, which was first out of Port Phillip Bay on Tuesday afternoon, and AdvantEDGE is third.
There were hopes of a race record for the 50th edition of the race known as the Westcoaster.
But after a good run across Bass Strait on Tuesday night, the fleet has run into south-westerly winds of 20-30 knots.
Conditions are forecast to lighten on Wednesday night as the boats race across the south coast.
As of 2pm on Wednesday, Tasmanian yacht Rumbeat held the overall handicap lead from Cromarty-Magellan, another local entry.
The line honours winner is expected to finish in Hobart around 11am on Thursday.
