The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2014 will go down as one of confounding contrasts that favoured the all-rounders, such as now 8th time line honours winner Wild Oats XI. Our photo gallery captures some of the action.

The course conditions encompassed punchy upwind conditions that forced a number of retirements in the first 24 hours, including the delimitation of the bow of one of the race favourites, Perpetual Loyal, to a sticky patch of light winds at the entrance to the Bass Strait that proved to be the defining moment in shaping line honours.

Throughout the race, some the world’s top photographers were on the water and up in the air following the action. We’ve selected some of their best work here, showing the range of boats in the 117-strong fleet. Besides being great sailing images, they give a pretty good idea how immaculately prepared yachts are for the race.