Several yachts, including the winner of the deadliest Sydney to Hobart on record, are forced out of race Sydney to Hobart start. Luna Sea sails out of the heads. YACHTS are racing to the aid of fellow competitors Wedgetail and winner of the disastrous 1998 race, Luna Sea after they suffered serious damage during a stormy third night of the Sydney to Hobart. The separate dramas unfolded this morning when the Queensland yacht Wedgetail was dismasted near Tasman Island and Luna Sea lost her rudder in Bass Strait. Strong winds have battered the fleet overnight following Wild Oat's arrival in Hobart to claim line honours just after 7pm last night. This morning gusts to 40 knots of wind were being recorded at Flinders Island which is the bottom edge of Bass Strait. The French yacht 41 Sud has now altered course to go to James Cameron's 35-footer Luna Sea which is the former overall winner of the stormy 1998 race. Luna Sea is also one if the smallest yachts in the fleet. Wedgetail skipper Bill Wild and crew are making their way to Hobart under power. Photo Ian Grant Source: Supplied The yacht 100-footer Zephiro was going to Wedgetail's assistance this morning. Wedgetail, owned by Bill Wild, has aboard navigator and mother of two Adrienne Cahalan. There are numerous other yachts in the vicinity of both boats which can render assistance if required. The yacht Henri Lloyd, which is part of the Clipper round the world fleet, has also retired with damage but has indicated she and her crew are fine and require no assistance. Overnight the 100-footers Perpetual Loyal and Ragamuffin both finished the race. Other yachts finishing included Black Jack from Queensland, Beau Geste from Hong Kong and Giacomo from New Zealand. A police launch has this morning been deployed to aid Luna Sea. The Police launch Van Diemen left Lady Baron, a group of Bass Strait islands, and was expected to rendezvous with Luna Sea around midday. Cameron reported all crew were safe and well. Wedgetail is seeking shelter but has indicated she will motor to Hobart later today. Her crew are safe and well. It is understood both yachts suffered their damage around 4am. The race drama continued at first light today with a crewman breaking his leg and the favourite for overall honours put out of the race. The yacht Rush was heading towards Coles to meet an ambulance and drop off their injured crewman Ben Renshaw. Tony Kirby's Patrice then reported it had retired with minor hull damage. The crew of the yacht Patrice have been forced to retire after suffering minor hull damage.