Despite eight yachts withdrawing from the original list of 65 that had lodged applications to enter the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts on Boxing Day, the scene is set for one the most competitive races in years.

Line honours looks to be a transTasman duel between the two 30m super maxis Skandia from Australia and Zana (which arrived in Sydney yesterday) representing New Zealand but at least ten grand prix ocean racers have a chance of winning top handicap honours.

Entrants

AFR Midnight Rambler 8338, NSW, Northshore 369

Aint Misbehavin SA 1331, UK, Lavranos 47

Andrew Short Marine NOR2, NSW, Volvo Ocean 60

Another Challenge SM2, VIC, Sydney 38

Asylum HI8, QLD, Sydney 38

Aurora 4057, NSW, Farr 40

Balmain Experience 5985, NSW, NSX 38

Berrimilla 371, NSW, Brolga 33

Bounder 8833, UK, Farr 49

Bright Morning Star 1987, NSW, Peterson 50

Brindabella C1, NSW, Jutson 79

Chutzpah R33, VIC, Sydney 38

Degrees of Freedom F88, WA, Runnalls 38

Dodo 6081, NSW, Sydney 38

Dysons Cobb & Co SM 9797, VIC, Farr 47

First National Real Estate 9407, NSW, Beneteau 40.7

formula1sailing.com SWE7, NSW, Volvo 60

Fuzzy Logic R69, VIC, ILC 40

Grundig A99, NSW, Open 66

Ice Fire HY 6572, WA, Mummery 45

Ichi Ban 8880, NSW, Farr 52

Impeccable MH106, NSW, 3/4 tonner IOR

Interum 558, TAS, Lyons 40

Katinka 2837, NSW, Currawong 30

KAZ 7878, NSW, Lyons 52

Kickatinalong 1317, NSW, Adams 13

Kontrol SM1400, VIC, Hart 45

Krakatoa 8383, NSW, Young 31

Liberator YC717, SA, Farr 42

Loki 8448, NSW, Swan 48

Love & War 294, NSW, S & S 47

Matangi 5350, TAS, Frers 39

Merlin 93, NSW, Forbes / Kaiko

Midnight Rambler II S4440, VIC, Farr 40

Mirrabooka A8, TAS, Frers 47

Nicorette SWE, 11111, SWE IRM Maxi

Nips-N-Tux 5995, NSW, IMX 40

Nokia 2UE MH 888, NSW, Volvo 60

Obsession 2999, NSW, Sydney 38

Pale Ale Rager YC560, SA, Elliot 56

Pippin 533, TAS, Farr 37

Quest AUS6606, NSW, Nelson Marek 46

Ragamuffin AUS70, NSW, Farr 50

Secret Mens Business SA3300, SA, MBD 42

Seriously TEN 8844, NSW, Volvo 60

Shere Khan 9477, NSW, Beneteau 47.7

Skandia M10, VIC, Super Maxi

Strewth 6188, NSW, MKL 49

Team Lexus 6565, NSW, Sydney 38

Terra Firma 4100, VIC, Murray 41

Tilting at Windmills SM117, VIC, MOD J. Dory 41

Toecutter R 1111, VIC, Hick 31

Wahoo 5900, NSW, Frers 40

Witchdoctor 2557, NSW, Davidson 42

Yendys 1836, NSW, Judel Vrolijk 52

Zana NZL10001, NZ, Maxi 98 Zaraffa USA16, USA, Reichel Pugh 65