From an earlier figure of 90 yachts entered for this year's Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, damage and other causes have brought down the number of entries to 82 with several withdrawals including that of the New Zealand 30m maxi yacht Maximus.

In last year's Sydney Hobart race, Maximus was dismasted and had to be pulled out of the race. This time the boat's keel was damaged during the yacht's voyage from New Zealand and apparently would be unable to be repaired in time for the race start on Boxing Day.

Maximus, together with UK 30m maxi City Index Leopard, had been thought to have a chance of breaking Wild Oats XI's winning streak.

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts at Sydney Harbour at 1pm on December 26.

• Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Danger and Death at Sea
• Hobart: Where the Race Finishes
• What to See and Do in Hobart
• Where to Stay in Hobart

Map courtesy Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race