In pictures: Sydney to Hobart opens

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race got under way in fine weather on Tuesday, with one of the strongest fields ever assembled.

Taking part were 82 vessels, including the largest big boat fleet since 1994.

The favourite, Shockwave, led the fleet out to sea, but lost its spinnaker after one nautical mile.

Eighty-two yachts, ready for the starter's gun

The News Corp Volvo Ocean 60, with media heir Lachlan Murdoch at the helm, heads south

News Corp sails past the square rigger Young Endevour

Bowman for Shockwave works on rigging after the yacht had trouble hoisting its spinnaker

The tall ship James Craig a spectator craft in the middle of the fleet

German entry in the Volvo 60 class, Illbruck, follows maxi Brindabella (left)

Mirrabooka and Summit Bacardi under spinnaker

New Zealand maxi yacht and race favourite Shockwave ploughs through a wave