Peter Bromby's worst nightmare became a reality at the 2008 Star Worlds in Florida today where he was disqualified for crossing the start line prematurely.

The four-time Olympian was black flagged for navigating across the windward side of the start line before the official starter's gun and was penalised for his actions.

And it was a costly error for the veteran skipper as he slipped from fourth to 44th in the overall points standings.

Bromby and crew Lee White are currently competing off the shores of Coral Reef Yacht Club where they hope to secure one of the remaining 2008 Olympic Games berths.

Bromby needs to finish the eight race series, in which each team is permitted to discard one race, no lower than fourth in order to qualify for this summer's Games to be held in Beijing, China.

If it's any consolation, Bromby still has the luxury of discarding today's disappointing result. But he cannot afford any repeat performances during the remaining six races if he's to make up lost ground on the leaders and achieve his primary objective in Florida.