Supermaxis almost collide in crazy Sydney to Hobart moment

Comanche has lodged a protest against Wild Oats XI after a controversial moment just minutes into the start of the 73rd Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

The two supermaxis very nearly collided heading out of Sydney Harbour as Wild Oats failed to give way to Comanche.

Those aboard Comanche were left fuming as Wild Oats failed to tack, throwing their arms up in disgust as Comanche was forced to avoid the collision.

As you can see in the video above, sailors aboard Comanche angrily yelled 'protest' in response to Wild Oats' actions.

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"Comanche had all the rights," commentators said, slamming Wild Oats.

"Wild Oats had to either duck behind them or tack earlier."

"That is about as close as you want two multi-million dollar maxis."

Black Jack and Comanche were quickest away, with Wild Oats jumping at the start before closing up.

In an easterly breeze of about eight knots on Tuesday, light air specialist Black Jack shaded Comanche by one second around the first turning mark and was first out of the Sydney Heads.

Wild Oats turned the mark in third, more than a minute behind the first two, with stablemate Wild Oats X fourth ahead of InfoTrack.

InfoTrack, which as Perpetual LOYAL was first out of the Heads for the previous two years, went through fifth.

That would have been a disappointment for new owner Christian Beck, who felt his boat had more chance of being first through the Heads than to Hobart.

After passing through the Heads, Black Jack stayed in front, with Wild Oats moving to second.

Black Jack opted to stay closer to the shore as Wild Oats went further out to sea.

The 73-year-old Freyja was the last of the 102-boat fleet though the Heads.

with AAP