Peccadillo is the early front-runner in the annual Melbourne to Hobart yacht race with Ryujin leading the chasing pack, who are bracing for challenging conditions.
The multihull, skippered by experienced campaigner Charles Meredith from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, opted for the middle of the start line on Wednesday and despite being way back on the gun soon found the front of the 82-strong fleet.
It was the first boat out of Port Philip Bay Heads followed by Ryujin while another monohull Ginan, who was last year's runner-up and handicap favourite for this year's event, was in hot pursuit as the fleet made its way south.
While the race started in sunny conditions and a steady 13 knot southerly breeze, an eerie fog enveloped the fleet, reducing visibility for competitors and crews alike.
Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) assistant race director Ray Shaw said it was a taste of things to come, with entries facing some challenging conditions.
He predicted a fast race in solid sailing conditions across Bass Strait to King Island and a quick trip south to Hobart.
"All weather models indicate that east of King Island is the preferred path for the fleet," Shaw said.
"The fleet can expect a 15 to 20 knot southerly breeze as they cross Bass Strait.
"The winds will pick up on Friday evening as a strong low compresses below Tasmania which will provide more challenging conditions for the crews with strong west to south westerly winds of 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots."
While Peccadillo is the early leader, several boats are in contention for line honours with monohulls Ginan, Ryujin, Joker x2 and Lord Jiminy, skippered by Jimmy Oosterweghel from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, the boats to watch.
The prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual trophy will go to the handicap winner on AMS (Australian Measurement System).
Handicap hopefuls for the 2023 race include Ginan, Jaffa, Alien and Vertigo, skippered by father and daughter combination Tim and Clare Olding from the RYCV.
The Westcoaster, as the race is affectionately known, is one of the world's great ocean races, covering 435 nautical miles from the start in Port Philip Bay to the finish line in the River Derwent in Hobart.
Line honours contenders are expected to arrive in Hobart in the early hours of Saturday morning.
