ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN THE YACHTING CALENDAR, THE SYDNEY TO HOBART RACE, STARTS ON THE 26TH DECEMBER.

HOWEVER ONE OF THE FAVOURITES TO WIN THE RACE, 'MAXIMUS', HAS BEEN RULED OUT WITH A CRACKED KEEL, SUSTAINED ON SUNDAY WHILST ON ITS WAY TO AUSTRALIA.

THE CREW OF THE NEW ZEALAND ENTRY DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE, BUT BILL BUCKLEY WHO OWNS MAXIMUS SAID THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE YACHT TO BE REPAIRED FOR THE RACE.