The Sydney to Hobart fleet has lost its first 100-foot supermaxi, with Wild Thing 100 retiring from the 80th running of the race on the first night of sailing

All crew were safe as Wild Thing began the journey back to Sydney around 6am this morning - having succumbed to rigging damage.

At the front of the race - Comanche is poised to make good on her favouritism.

The 2017 winner and race record holder is in front after a rough first night down the New South Wales coast.

Back-to-back champion LawConnect looms in second - with around two miles separating the top two as of 7 this morning.