TODAY'S Launceston to Hobart yacht race has set off at a staggering pace from Beauty Point in what could be a record-setting event, according to organisers.
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High North-West winds are expected to see yachts through to Hobart as early as Monday, race spokesman Peter Campbell said.
Twenty-four entrants made it out past Low Head with a time of about 45 minutes, led by 34-foot vessel Off-Piste of Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
Mr Campbell said champion sailer Greg Prescott also had a solid start, sailing out in the race's biggest yacht Infinity - also of Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
He said a tacking duel among 15 to 20-knot winds was held between Infinity and Gary Smith's The Fork in the Road.
This year's race start is in stark contrast to last year's event, which saw only seven out of 26 entries complete the race.
``Last year there was almost no wind in the river,'' Mr Campbell said.
``Two boats ran aground and one, Footloose, took eight hours to get out of Low Head.''
Boats to watch include new to Tasmania entrant Tilt, from Western Australia, Victoria's Absolut, small yacht Kaiulani, of Derwent Sailing Squadron, and Allusive, of Tamar Yacht Club.
