Wild Oats win confirmed

The maxi yacht crossed the line first in the Tasmanian capital for the fifth time in six years on Tuesday evening but was declared only provisional winner.

A protest had been launched earlier in the day of the race after it was alleged that the crew had failed to alert their position by high frequency radio before entering the stormy Bass Strait.

"Wild Oats XI has been confirmed as line honours winner of the 2010 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, for the fifth time, after the Race Committee radio protest was dismissed," read a statement on the official race website.

The radio rule was introduced after a major storm sank five boats and killed six sailors in the race 12 years ago.