Big overseas fleet for Sydney to Hobart

A quarter of the 111 entries received for this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race will come from overseas.

A bumper contingent of 28 international boats will make up a quarter of a larger-than-average Sydney to Hobart yacht fleet this year.

When entries closed on Wednesday, 111 yachts had lodged notice of their intention to compete in the 71st edition of the race.

That's the third highest this century and only six short of last year's fleet.

The United Kingdom provide 17 of the overseas contingent, while two Chinese boats will compete for the first time.

Other foreign entries represent Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Belgium and the United States.

Six female skippers will also be part of the race which will have three start lines and four Supermaxis, headed by eight-times line honours winner Wild Oats XI.