Peter Harburg’s 20.24 m sloop Black Jack continued to develop a commanding line honours lead in the 308 n/ml Brisbane to Gladstone Race this afternoon.

Her skipper Americas Cup sailor Mark Bradford elected to start conservatively from the middle of the line while the bulk of the fleet representing clubs from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland featured in a ‘log jam’ at the committee boat end.

There were the usual shouts and demands for sea room when the crews scurried over the deck to set spinnakers while others prepared to fend off and protect their space.

But apart from the odd skirmish the start was spectacular with the power sailing Black Jack taking control of the lead in the opening minutes.

However the lack of wind failed to give them the opportunity to break away from the smaller rivals Quantum Racing, Wot Now, Wot Yot, Shogun and Wedgetail on the leg across Moreton Bay to enter the North West Channel off Tangalooma.

But that changed when spinnakers were set allowing Black Jack to extend her lead reaching the Caloundra Fairway Buoy with an average speed of 10.4 knots.

The Ray Roberts skippered defending champion Quantum Racing was also racing impressively to protect her handicap rating against the Graeme Wood skippered Wot Now while the change of current slowed the progress of the lower handicapped yachts including four time race winner Wistari and 1964 champion Pagan when they were tide locked as dusk cast a shadow over Moreton Bay.

Race officials reported Black Jack had picked up speed and created an impressive sight for spectators and tourists as she tracked a course close inshore towards Noosa Heads.

They also confirmed that the battle for the minor places was close between Quantum Racing, Wot Now, Wot Yot and Shogun as they continued with their nip-n-tuck style match race.

It was far too early to determine the possible winner on corrected time with the crew on Black Jack sailing the pocket-maxi like and ocean racing dinghy to firm their chances in what is turning into a big boat race.

Based on her calculated speed and the promise of the wind freshening north of Lady Elliot Island will help the speed sailing Black Jack to complete the 308 nautical mile classic before 3pm tomorrow.

For further information including a list of yachts entered in the 2009 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, go to the official race site http://www.brisbanetogladstone.com.au