The 2008 HSBC Coastal Classic Auckland to Russell yacht race got underway this morning.
From the 10am start off Devonport wharf this morning, the keelers took the wharf end of the line and multis the pin end.
The unsettled weather forecast was on most of the entrants' mindstoday, but conditions were ideal, if breezy, in Waitemata Harbour for the start.
The 44 footer Taeping was in the lead as the fleet approached Whangarei Heads, in the latest information we have available (around 5pm).
More than 60 boats - over a quarter of those that started - have reportedly withdrawn. Most simply because they don't like the conditions, but a number due to gear failure or breakages, the race's website is reporting.
