Sydney to Hobart fleet down to 88

The Sydney to Hobart fleet has reduced to 88 after the pre-race withdrawal of Enigma because of engine issues.

Sydney to Hobart 2015. (AAP) Source: AAP

A fast and open race is expected for this year's annual Sydney to Hobart classic.

The gruelling yacht race set sail at 1.00pm (AEDT) on Monday, when iconic sailor Syd Fischer fired the starting cannon.

The starting fleet is down to 88 following the late withdrawal of Jason Bond’s Enigma because of engine problems.

The 628-nautical-mile course starts from Sydney Harbour and follows the southeast Australian coastline, finishing in Castray Esplanade in Hobart.

With such a diverse fleet this year, experts predict weather conditions will play an important role in determining the winner.

Early weather forecasts favour the larger boats in the fleet, putting the four super maxis Wild Oats XI, Scallywag, Perpetual LOYAL and CQS all in contention to win.

The race record is held by Wild Oats XI with a time of one day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds in 2012. 

She is favourite to take line honours in 2016, which she will be out to achieve for a ninth time.