AUSTRALIAN contender Ausmaid emerged as the leader on handicap in the 1996 Sydney to Hobart yacht race crossing the line seventh behind Morning Glory's record-beating run.

The German-owned maxi Morning Glory chopped nearly 30 minutes off the old record set in 1975 by US ketch Kialoa, when it crossed the finish line in the early hours yesterday morning.

Pocket maxis Exile and Foxtel Amazon finished second and third In the bluewater classic, with the new 60-footer Sydney taking fourth place.

Condor and BZW Challenge had also arrived at Hobart's Constitution Dock as had the female-crewed Elle Racing, the Whitbread-configured boat which was not an official entrant. The bulk of the fleet is due in today.

After expected finishing times were calculated, corrected time put Exile in second place behind Ausmaid, followed by BZW Challenge, Morning Glory, Sydney, Foxtel Amazon and Condor.