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The smaller boats still sailing in the Sydney to Hobart have been shaken by wild seas and winds, with several not expected to finish until the New Year. .

A handful of Sydney to Hobart stragglers will ring in the New Year at sea after earlier being battered by rough seas and strong winds.

Eight of the race's starting field of 157 were still making their way to the Hobart finish line on Tuesday evening.

They had to contend with thunderstorms on Monday night off the east coast of Tasmania.

"It was horrendous. We went sideways," said Wayne Jones, skipper of Tribal Warrior, which carried the first predominantly indigenous crew to compete in a Sydney to Hobart.

"We saw it coming and reefed down and put a small headsail on, but it was blowing 38 to 42 knots on rough seas. We got a full storm too."

Tasmania-owned Natelle Two had to make a stop at Triabunna on Tuesday morning to drop off an injured crew member who hit their head.

They were well enough to go home with family.

At just 30 feet long, less than a third of the size of line-honours winner Comanche, Gun Runner is second last with Take Five bringing up the rear.

Both are scheduled to arrive in Hobart on January 1, although that could be pushed back depending on conditions.

In the 75th edition of the blue water classic, Ichi Ban was on Monday declared the overall winner for the second time in three years.