Peter Bromby and crew Bill McNiven have slipped to 26th place at the Bacardi Cup Star Class Regatta off Key Biscayne, Florida after being disqualified for an early start in the third race on Tuesday.

With the winds gusting up to 30 knots throughout the day, a total of 14 boats were black flagged for a similar infringement.

There are still three races to go for the former Olympian and a chance to return up the rankings.

Bromby and McNiven, who have not sailed together for more than 20 years, were lying in fourth after finishes of fourth and seventh over the first two days.