SYDNEY, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese boat Noahs II made a strong start in the 74th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Wednesday, heading south out of Sydney Harbour in good standing.

Rounding the turning mark and hoisting a huge 440-square-meter red spinnaker, Noahs II stood out from the competition as they cut through the large ocean swell.

Head coach Li Hongquan told Xinhua in the lead up to the race that the team were hoping to reach the finish in about two days.

"Our main target is to try to finish the competition smoothly and achieve the top ten," Li said.

"The crew members have become familiar with their posts and I believe they are ready for the game."

Noahs II, a 70-foot Volvo Ocean class vessel, started alongside five 100-foot supermaxi yachts, including race favorites Comanche and Wild Oats XI -- however, it was Black Jack that led the fleet out of Sydney heads.

Spectator vessels crowded the harbour, with onlookers turning out in the thousands to witness the start of the iconic event.

Conditions were moderate and expected to stay that way for the duration of the race, tipped to ease further in the second half, which could create trouble for the boats at the back of the fleet.

The lead boats are expected to reach Hobart by Thursday evening.