Bob Oatley's super maxi flew out of the blocks on Sydney Harbour on Wednesday, quickly surging to a good lead in south easterly breezes of around 15 knots.

She shot away from last year's line honours winner Ragamuffin Loyal, who broke the start, though race officials were meeting to review that situation. Ragamuffin Loyal did not go back and do a penalty turn at the time.

At least Ragamuffin Loyal made it to the start, something that was denied fellow super maxi and 2003 line honours winner Wild Thing.

The race committee ruled her out of the race three hours before the start after failing to receive some documentation.