Bermuda Gold Cup Day Two

A dramatic day on the water today saw us finish the day with just 1 win from 3 matches, leaving us on 3 wins and 3 losses. We had three very close races, and were displaying some spectacular boat handling, but with some umpire calls not going our way it just wasn’t enough to ensure a spot in the top 4.

Once again small mistakes mean that we are facing a must win match tomorrow against Areva skipper Sebastian Col who has already qualified into the quarters with 4 wins under his belt. Although Col is sailing well, today’s matches proved that we are moving in the right direction to make it through to the next round, so we will be able to approach tomorrow’s race with confidence.

Our 3rd match of the day against Johnnie Berntesson from Sweden was an exciting match which saw three penalties given. We lead around the track, but had to clear a penalty after Berntesson had luffed us at the starting line, so slowed down at the final top mark to try and suck him into a trap. We managed to pull the manoeuvre off, wiping our penalty and still maintaining a marginal lead. We then gybed onto starboard and attacked Berntesson again, however during the manoeuvre Torvar slipped and dislocated his knee cap. With nobody steering we rounded up into his stern and were given another penalty. We still had control of Berntesson, but were then given a second penalty after the umpires deemed us to be sailing above our proper course, which allowed him to sail freely to the finish line.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.


Kinley Fowler
MirskyRacingTeam

http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Bermuda Gold Cup Day One

After a training day of lapping up the sunshine in next to no wind, today we were treated with the polar opposite as a cold front moved through the area, bringing with it gusts above 20 knots. As we were in the third group, we had the morning off to get our heads around the new conditions, but started well in the afternoon finishing the day on 2 wins and 1 loss.

The IOD boats are very different to any others on the match racing circuit, so we knew that we were going to have some difficulties with the manoeuvring when we first stepped on. It didn’t help that we were up against the local wildcard, Blythe Walker who has been in the Gold Cup semi finals a number of times. However we had good pace and despite losing the start managed to fight back to overtake him at the first top mark which was a good confidence boost which we managed to carry on into the next race to defeat American Donald Wilson.

This momentum didn’t carry on into our next match against Eric Monnin from Switzerland, as we gave away the start and had to follow his transom around the track. The course was very shifty with big gains to be made when on the correct side; however Monnin sailed smart and didn’t give us any opportunities to pass.

Tomorrow we are facing some tough opponents, so we will have to step up our performance in order to qualify. Our group is very tight, so every race will mean vital points to make it through.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
MirskyRacingTeam
http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

The Numbers Stack Up - 77 boats and still counting

[source: Event Media]
With only a matter of days until the start of the 29th Rolex Middle Sea Race, organisers the Royal Malta Yacht club are rubbing their hands together at the prospect of an entry exceeding seventy boats for the first time ever. Not only that, but the yachts are drawn from most corners of the sailing world with the fleet flying no less than eighteen different national flags. Entries close on 11th October and the race itself starts from Marsamxett Harbour on the 18th October - so there is still time to be part of an historic contest that marks the 40th anniversary of this 607 nautical mile adventure.

The race is open to yachts from 9-metres to 30.5 metres and this year will see the full range. Currently, the 100-foot Farr designed Rapture (MAR) takes pole position in the size stake. This is not something that particularly troubles Jeff Hanlon, Rapture's captain, who explains "this will be the first of four planned offshore races for Rapture. We chose the Rolex Middle Sea Race because it is one of the most famous races you can do and we enjoy this style of offshore distance racing. We have an international crew joining us for the race, all good experienced offshore racers, a crew of good, well-humoured blokes that know what they're doing."

Hanlon has heard all about Malta's hospitality and the scenery around the course. Hanlon has also heard the race can be difficult, but again this is not an overriding concern, "I have known about the race for years. I was even told recently not to do it due to its tough reputation for bad weather, but that's yacht racing. It's as much against the weather sometimes as it is against the other boats." And with the Rolex Middle Sea Race tending to blow hot or cold and rarely in between, Hanlon is perceptive in this judgement.

Other big boats, over seventy-feet, include Stormvogel (GBR) 39-years after her last participation, Steinlager II (NZL) and Michael Cotter's Whisper (IRL), hoping to complete the course this time after retiring in the face of the storm last year. The newcomer is the Nauta 80 Acaia Cube (ITA) owned by Italian filmstar, Claudio Amendola.

Much has been written already about the battle royal shaping up in the 50 - 70 foot range, where the IRC race boats - Rosebud/Team DYT (STP65/USA) and Andres Soriano's Allegre (Mills 68/GBR) - have just been joined by a second STP 65, Jim Swartz's Moneypenny (USA). And the participation of the 60-foot, Veolia Oceans, Boogaloo (FRA) could add another twist to the tale. Those that represent shape of things today will find themselves up again some of the former workhorses of the oceans - the VO60, Big One (CRO) makes a welcome return and is joined by a trio of 2000 vintage Open 50s, 13 (ITA), Regione Piedmont (ITA) and Vento di Sardegna (ITA). The 50-foot Rolex Fastnet 2007 winner Chieftain is back under new ownership, Adrian Lee, and a new name, Lee Overlay Partners (IRL), but still sports her canting keel. The sole TP52 is the IRC optimized RAN (GBR) owned by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström. Read on...

2008 Heaven Can Wait Regatta

[source: Rob Kothe, Sail-World]
There was smiles all round at the end of the 2008 Heaven Can Wait Regatta. The Royal Motor Yacht Club was packed with tired but happy sailors yesterday afternoon for the Presentation ceremony. The Heaven Can Wait club has been the recipient of some wonderful hand crafted brass perpetual trophies, made by Balmain Sailing Club member Steve Prince.

Balmain Sailing Club President David Stenhouse was proud of the effort of his Club in supporting the 2008 event.

He said 'All eight of our boats sailed up from Sydney over the last week. There was a little excitement in that, my boat Umbakumba, ran ahead of a 40 knot southerly while Aqualogic had 35 knots on the nose the day before.

'Balmain encourages boats to sail in other Clubs events, by giving average points for sailing in other major regattas. The Heaven Can Wait regatta is high on that list.

'It's a rapidly growing regatta; it provides some unique experiences (overnight sailing) in a very safe environment and it's a great charity cause.'

Commodore Shaun Lewecki, the cancer survivor who dreamed up the event and organised the 2006 and 2007 races, was much more relaxed this year with the Heaven Can Wait Yacht Club committee shouldering much of the organisational load.

'This year's race was like sailing in a little bit of heaven; just being out there was wonderful for me. Read Full Article

Real-time tracking for Heaven Can Wait 24 hr race

[source: Rob Kothe, Sail-World]
A unique real-time tracking system for yacht racing will be used during the 2008 Heaven Can Wait 24-hour yacht race, to be held on Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, NSW, which starts at 12 noon tomorrow October 4th and finishs at 1300 on Sunday, October 5th.

The system, based on the EziTrak(r) boat, car and mobile equipment tracking system developed by the Australian-based Rojone, will allow real-time tracking of all yachts participating in the race.
The race can be viewed in REAL TIME on the Internet. Race positions will be shown along with buoys; the link is https://www.ezitrack.com/race/

Rojone's EziTrak(r) system uses a combination of GPS and GPRS (mobile phone) technology to accurately track a yacht's (or vehicle's) course, reporting back to a central computer with positioning data every few minutes, with accuracies to within a few metres. Full article

Big winds cancel racing again; the spotlight falls on André Mauric

[source: Event Media]

At 1100 this morning racing was cancelled in Saint-Tropez for the second consecutive day. With waves as big as 2.5 metres and gusts of wind rising sharply from 18 to 40 knots outside the bay, all fleets were kept in port to assure the safety of the participants and spectators. Pierre Lasnier, a well-known local meteorologist, explained that Saint-Tropez is experiencing a typical weather pattern for the region where sharp winds set in but just as suddenly disappear. The overriding hope on the dock is for the wind to abate sufficiently tomorrow to allow one more day of racing before the prize giving ceremony scheduled for Sunday. In the meantime it is status quo for the Rolex Trophy, until the formal announcement Saturday night of the 2008 winner.

Today we take a look at French designer André Mauric, famous for designing Pen Duick VI and remembered, among many other achievements, as the first French designer to draw a 12-Metre that would go on to be seriously involved in the America's Cup. Read full article

Les voiles arm wrestle the Mistral; Camper & Nicholsons classic collection

[source: Event Media]
Bright sun and fresh gusts welcomed the crews this morning in the bay of Saint-Tropez. Today the 300 participating yachts in this year's Voiles de Saint-Tropez were given the chance to truly test themselves for the first time this week. No more twiddling thumbs while waiting for the wind; with the Mistral in full effect since sunrise, the crews of the Classic Yachts had to put real muscle into their work in order to keep control of their vessels' massive sails, which can often exceed 200 m2.

Today was a welcome change from yesterday, when the race committee was forced to shorten the racecourse due to capricious winds. In yesterday's conditions Agneta, winner of the Rolex Trophy in 2007, finished second in the Marconi division just behind Rowdy but in front of Oiseau de Feu who finished third. In the Schooner category Mariquita finished ahead of Lulworth, Moonbeam III, Moonbeam IV and Thendara. Read full article

Close Classic Racing and a Scotsman's designs in Saint Tropez

[Source: Event Media]
Racing at the 10th edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez began this morning under bright sun and almost summer conditions. With a promising breeze at the start that later fell still, today was the first race for the Classics who enjoyed the chance to hoist their sails and race one another over a 24-mile coastal course. Leading the fleet home were Altair and Rowdy within a hair's breadth of one another.

Today was also the first day of the Rolex Trophy, which is open to classic yachts over 16 metres in length. The winner of this trophy will only be known for certain when the overall scores are revealed on Saturday evening, adding to the suspense of what is sure to be an enthralling series. Whoever proves to be the winner, we may be confident that she will have been the most sure-footed of those competing this week.

With more than 300 monohulls on the water today, crowds onshore, spectator boats, the media and the numerous photographers on site, Organisers' the Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez will be pleased with both their course planning and crowd control went so remarkably smoothly at this grand spectacle that is one of the sailing world's greatest annual gatherings. Read full article

MOONBEAM IV, designed by FIFE & SON
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Start in black and white
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Still waters for Tuesday's racing
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de St-Tropez from underwater
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, tall masts and passionate designers

[source: Event Media]

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez is known for bringing together the most beautiful of both modern and classic racing boats - making a tour around the docks like looking into a magnificent show window of both the latest technology and architectural genius of centuries past. One looks from Esense to Senso One, which showcase all details of the modern, to the docks filled with the astounding cathedrals of sails belonging to Créole, Altair, Lulworth and Thendara. It is almost impossible to focus on a single yacht with all of the beauties that crowd the dock and transport this old fishing port back to historic times. Brought together these yachts arouse a curiosity and desire to learn more about the passionate men who were behind the drawing pen of these jewels. As of Tuesday, the Classic Yachts over 16 meters will join in the races to try their chances at taking home the Rolex Trophy.

Since Monday night the port of Saint-Tropez has been filled to capacity as the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup came to a close and the yachts made their way here for the 2008 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The division winners of the Autumn Cup are Shamrock V (Spirit of Tradition), Kookabura (12 MJI), Moonbeam IV (Classic Yachts), Nan of Fife (Gaffs) and Rowdy (Marconis).

The journey from Cannes to Saint-Tropez finished with the classic yachts berthed alongside the participating modern yachts, finally completing the collection of exceptional masts, that are almost all over 40 metres high, for this year's edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Last night was the official Welcome Cocktail and all of the teams came together in the race village to inaugurate the opening of the social programme that is an essential part of this world-renowned regatta marking the end of the Mediterranean sailing season. Read full article

Monday's racing just off St-Tropez
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Les voiles, les voiles, Les Voiles de St-Tropez
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

ATALANTA III, Les Voiles de St-Tropez
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Ambiance at the docks
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

MRT One Win Away From Semi Finals at the Portugal Match Cup

Unfortunately for most involved, today’s wind was not cooperating. Only four matches were completed in very fickle winds and strong tide. Despite not racing today, our situation still remains the same, with tomorrow morning’s race, and the last race of the round robin against Paolo Cian, being a must win to qualify for the semi finals.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler

http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Troia Portugal Match Cup Day Three

The laziest day so far saw the wind fill in late in the afternoon, and the race committee pushed hard to get through as many flights as possible in order to keep the full format. However only 4 flights were completed, and with 5 races left, the chance of holding the quarterfinals is slimming rapidly. We are sitting in 4th now after losing both matches today, and with one race left, things are getting tight to hold on to the top 4 spot.

We had two tough matches against Sebastian Col and Magnus Holmburg, and in the tricky tidal conditions, it wasn’t easy to jump into it after the whole day off. However, we were sailing well and if it weren’t for two unforced penalties upon entering we could have been singing a different tune. We are still very confident in our speed and tactics at this event, and all we need to do is keep sailing how we have been sailing and we will be able to post a good result. With 7 teams still in contention for the top 4 spots, tomorrow’s racing is going to be tight.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler

MirskyRacingTeam

http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Hot fleet for 2009 Docklands Invitational

[Skandia Geelong Week media]
Competition for the 2009 Skandia Docklands Invitational will be fierce as some of Australia’s best performed IRC yachts prepare to contest the invitation only series.

“We are thrilled to have such a strong fleet contest the Skandia Docklands Invitational. The Victorian public will see some of Australia’s fastest yachts compete on Port Phillip in what is a great warm up to the Audi IRC Australian Championship,” says Regatta Chairman John Kint.

In a first, six states will be represented at the event in January, the vast majority of which will be competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. The impressive fleet, includes: Andrew Short Marine (NSW), Black Jack (QLD), Loki III (NSW), Limit (WA), Living Doll II (VIC), Georgia (VIC), Goldfinger (VIC), Quest (NSW), Cougar II (VIC), Shortwave (NSW), Shogun (VIC), Audi Centre Melbourne (VIC), Optimus Prime (WA), Secret Men’s Business III (SA), Extasea (VIC), Dekadence (VIC), XLR8 (VIC), Chutzpah (VIC), and Voodoo Chile (TAS).

Royal Geelong Yacht Club has left the final position vacant in the fleet. "A number of New Zealand owners are still planning their 2009 sailing programs and we want to ensure there is a place left should they wish to compete with Australia's best," Kint added.

The yachts will gather at Waterfront City over two days for a five race series on the waters of Port Phillip on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January, immediately prior to Skandia Geelong Week, Australia’s largest sailing regatta.

The response has been overwhelming with many owners expressing genuine excitement to be selected. In 2008 the Docklands Invitational trophy was won by Beau Geste, a Hong Kong yacht with a talented crew of America’s Cup sailors. Missing out on next year’s event, owner Karl Kwok said, "Unfortunately we will not be defending our title in 2009. We are currently building a new yacht and we hope to be invited back in 2010. The Invitational is a unique concept that will continue to build momentum and to receive an invitation is a privilege”.

Skandia Docklands Invitational will be held in conjunction with the King of the Docklands which made a successful debut this year and was won by the Australian Olympic Sailing Team. In 2009, the knock out competition will be developed further with an exciting new component to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Skandia Docklands Invitational is organised by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club as part of an expanded Skandia Geelong Week program. The event is proudly supported by Skandia, the Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne and Fairfax Media.
Skandia Docklands Invitational

Troia Portugal Match Cup Day Two

The day’s racing started leisurely, with the westerly seabreeze filling in about midday to a perfect 8-10 knots which lasted until late in the evening, allowing the race committee to complete 7 more flights of the round robin. We dropped only one race, putting us on 7 wins and 2 losses, just one point off Matthiu Richard in first.

We only lost one race against Swedish Sailor of the year Bjorn Hansen in an intensive battle which saw 2 lead changes and 2 penalties. Unfortunately, both penalties were against us, firstly for hitting the top mark, and the second for gibing in Hansen’s water on the final run. We managed to bounce back however, and defeat the UK’s Nick Cherry as the wind strengthened to a shifty 15 knots as the sun began to sink.

We have three more races left of the round robin and are quite eager to add a few more wins to the tally as the possibility of scrapping the quarterfinals is looming. At the moment we are sitting in 2nd, however we have done more races than most, so anything could happen.

A Special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
MirskyRacingTeam
http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

'Lou Abrahams onboard Challenge' Steb Fisher ©Photo

[source: Rowan Simpson - Class Secretary]
Seven Sydney 38’s participated in the Morris Finance Short Course Regatta hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of the 20th and 21st September. The event is the traditional season opener for the Victorian fleet and is designed to provide owners and their crews the opportunity to have coaching, close short course racing and enjoy some social time together.

Unfortunately, a 30 knot south westerly prevented on water activity on Saturday but the time was well spent by conducting a clinic utilizing a panel of sailmakers headed by North Sails, Alby Pratt. Alby, a past National Champion sailing on 'Cydon', had travelled from Sydney specifically to assist crews set up their rigs and to pass on his Sydney 38 knowledge. He was ably assisted by the local Quantum sailmaker, Tony Bull and Sam Haines from Ulman sails.

Alby detailed the finer points of setting up a Sydney 38 rig using the North Sails tuning guide and fielded questions from the floor regarding trimming. Tony spoke about heavy weather spinnaker trim whilst Sam, who sailed with Bruce Taylor on the Sydney 38 'Chutzpah’ for many years, emphasized the importance of practice.

In the afternoon, the Race Officer, Greg Sinclair, provided insight into Race Management and Geoff Searle, a National Judge, conducted a rules session.

An owner’s meeting reappointed Lou Abrahams as their Victorian Representative on the Class Executive. An enjoyable spit roast completed the day’s activities.

On Sunday the weather had moderated to 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. With the flat water on Corio Bay, the conditions were ideal for racing. At 0930 hours, the fleet was sent on their way on a two lap windward leeward course. 'Challenge' (Lou Abrahams), with Scotty Walton on the helm and former World OK champion Peter Milne trimming the main, started well to led from start to finish with 'Cinquante' (Ian Murray) second and 'Scarlett Runner' (Robert Date) third. After winning the next two races 'Challenge' was the boat to beat with 'Cinquante' also doing well. However, an OCS in race 4, put the pressure on 'Challenge' which did well to recover to finish 3rd. The winner of this race and the big improver of the day was 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Andrew and Mel Mollison) which held out the consistent 'Cinquante'. The fifth and final race of the day was again won by 'Sierra Chainsaw' with 'Challenge' holding out 'Cinquante' to finish second and third respectively.

The highlight of the series was the close racing throughout the fleet. 'Clockwork Orange' (Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott) racing for the first time showing good form at times whilst 'Audacious' (Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden) also improved their position in the results.

Overall results without drops were as follows:-

1st 'Challenge' Lou Abrahams 8 points
2nd 'Sierra Chainsaw' Andrew and Mel Mollison 12 points (Count back)
3rd ' Cinquante' Ian Murray 12 points
4th 'Scarlett Runner' Robert Date' 19 points
5th ' Audacious' Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden 27 points
6th ' 38 Degrees South' John Chatham 31 points
7th 'Clockwork Orange' Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott 33 points

Troia Portugal Match Cup

You couldn’t ask for better conditions than those delivered to us on the first day of racing here in Portugal. Flat waters and 12 knots of breeze settled in just after midday and stayed through until late in the evening. We finished the day on 4 wins from 5 races, and are looking to be in a fairly comfortable position for the Quarter Finals.

We started the day paired up against current world number 1 Matthiu Richard, and after being beaten off the line, we were forced to follow on his tail around the race track. We then managed to step up our game, and go on to do to our opponents what Richard had done to us, and won the next four races consecutively.

After doing four regattas in a row, our team is starting to click, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The 2008 World Tour is coming to a close, with only one more event left before the final in Malaysia at the Monsoon Cup. We had a really good feeling on the boat today, and hopefully we can continue the momentum on to get some much needed Tour points to finish the season off on a high.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler

Mirsky Racing Team

www.mirskyracingteam.com

Aussie Golden Girls Nominated for ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year

[source: Regatta News]

Congratulations to Elise RECHICHI & Tessa PARKINSON who have been nominated for the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award (Female).

The 2008 nominees are:
Female
Sarah AYTON, Sarah WEBB & Pippa WILSON (GBR)
Claire LEROY (FRA)
Elise RECHICHI & Tessa PARKINSON (AUS)
Alessandra SENSINI (ITA)
Anna TUNNICLIFFE (USA)

Male
Ben AINSLIE (GBR)
Tom ASHLEY (NZL)
Francis JOYON (FRA)
Vincenzo ONORATO (ITA)
Ian WILLIAMS (GBR)

Elise RECHICHI & Tessa PARKINSON (AUS)

Well known faces from the ISAF Youth Worlds, this young team showed their intent at the 2008 470 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, where they picked up their first bronze medal of the year. Hitting the European graded event circuit, they posted some mixed results before once again making the results count where it mattered with another bronze at the ISAF Grade C1 European Championships in Italy.

But it wasn't bronze that this team was after when they got to Qingdao for the Olympic Sailing Competition. Gold was the colour they dreamed of and their win was convincing. One of just four crews who won a gold medal with no previous Olympic experience, RECHICHI and PARKINSON went into their Medal Race with an 18 point lead over their nearest rivals, the three time World Champions from the Netherlands.

They sailed a tactical Medal Race to ensure the Dutch team could not steal their gold medal away and crossed the finish line to secure an Australian 470 double for coach Victor KOVALENKO. At just 21 years old RECHICHI and PARKINSON were the youngest gold medallists at the Olympic Sailing Competition and look set for a bright future.

24 - Sail Melbourne International Regatta, Melbourne, AUS - ISAF Grade 1 - Jan 2008
3 - 470 World Championships, Melbourne, AUS - ISAF Grade W - Jan 2008
15 - Semaine Olympique Française, Hyères, FRA - ISAF Grade 1 - Apr 2008
9 - Delta Lloyd Regatta, Medemblik, NED - ISAF Grade 1 - May 2008
3 - 470 European Championships, Riva del Garda, ITA - ISAF Grade C1 - Jun 2008
1 - 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition, Qingdao, CHN - ISAF Grade W - Aug 2008

ISAF World Sailing Rankings position at the end of the nomination period (3 September 2008) - # 6

International Sailing Federation (ISAF)
www.sailing.org/worldsailor

European 18 footers : Pindar keeps the european title

Report by Andy Richards, pictures by Christophe Favreau

Pindar won the Italian Grand Prix and the whole title

The final round of the European 18ft Skiff Grand Prix rocked up to Lake Como, and although a smaller fleet than usual, the skiff teams were treated to outstanding conditions. Three days of competition were held resulting in a closely fought competition at the front of the fleet between Pindar (GBR) and GP Covers (DEN), who also were fighting for podium positions for the overall 2008 Grand Prix.

Day 1 kicked in with a steady 12-15 knot breeze once the cloud had lifted and the sun left to do its thermal thing. GP Covers showed the fleet a clean pair of heels in the first two races in the stronger breeze while Pindar took up the reigns for the next two races. Elcotec (ITA) kept the local supporters happy with some consistent results while the ever improving Liberty Sailing Team from Hungary popped in some worthwhile results in the top three.

Day 2 looked like would be repeat of the first day and big rigs all round, however the sun had been around all morning to kick up a stiff breeze from the prevailing South. This built steadily during the day, and with all the teams caught out with their No1 rigs in an average of 20knots, gusting up to 25knots, it proved to be a day of survival with only one race run by the time all the pitchpole capsizes were recovered! Not one team failed to stick their noses in so it was a case of whoever did the least capsizes who took the points. Elcotec (ITA) showed that their practice in the Como conditions paid off by taking the single bullet of the day, while PICA (GBR) showed off their heavy air boathandling to just get in in front of Pindar.

The final day dawned a bit misty, and this lulled the teams again to go out in their No1 rigs. The breeze built during the day, however this time the race officer, who did a great job all weekend, managed to fire off three races in quick succession in conditions that will go down as some of the best ever on an Italian lake. GP Covers put pressure on Pindar's overall lead from the start with a race win, with Liberty Sailing and Wet Protect (GER) taking 2nd and 3rd. In the next race Pindar found their big air form again (after a vicious pitchpole in the first race) taking the gun from GP Covers and so it was all down to the last race. By this time the breeze had built to a steady 20-22 knots, proving to be a handful for all the teams. FIRAT however had popped ashore to change down to their No2 rig during race 2, and then through great boathandling (ie keeping it upright!) managed to steal the show to the delight of the partisan crowds. Pindar sneaked into second place while GP Covers struggled to finish in 5th place.

So overall Pindar took the event and with it the overall European Grand Prix for 2008. Andy Richards and his team of Andrew Fairley and brother Dave Richards were delighted with the win and paid tribute to the fantastic organisations and great conditions over the circuit this year.

Final Round Results (8 races, 1 discard)
1. Pindar (GBR) 9pts
2. GP Covers (DEN) 12pts
3. Elcotec (ITA) 19pts
4. PICA (GBR) 19pts
5. Liberty Sailing Team (Hun) 31pts
6. Wet Protect (GER) 32pts
7. FIRAT (ITA) 36pts
8. Space Models (GER) 52pts
9. 4US (SUI) 62 pts
10. Marin (SUI) 66pts

Photo credit Christophe Favreau

ACI Match Cup Day Four

The Bura wind kicked in as strong as promised, but the race committee still managed to fit in the full format to complete the event. We had an intense finals series, but our French competitors outshone us, and we ended the regatta in 4th place. Congratulations to Paolo Cian and his team for taking out the title for the second year running.

After qualifying for the semi finals in 2nd place, it was a case of the young gun against the old fox as we faced up against French match racing veteran Bertrand Pace, and the hunt was on. Despite winning the first race and showing promise in the next two heated matches, Pace was cunning enough and managed to take out the series 2-1, putting us up against Sebastian Col in the petit final.

Once again, we won the first race convincingly, and the next two matches saw a number of lead changes and penalties. However the feisty Frenchman managed to get the better of the tricky conditions and won the last race to get 3rd place behind Pace and Paolo Cian.

This regatta has been an excellent warm up for the upcoming World Tour event in Troia, Portugal which is the third last Tour event of this year. This is the second time we have sailed as a full team and hopefully we will be able to go a few better next week and climb into the top 3 on the leader board.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
Mirsky Racing Team

http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Audi MedCup - A full Quantum Quota: Quantum Racing win Portugal Trophy.

Crew of "QUANTUM RACING" (USA) , celebrating overall victory of Audi MedCup 2008.© Th.Martinez/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 20/09/08.

[Source: Event Media]
Terry Hutchinson and the crew of Quantum Racing today added the Portugal Trophy to the regatta wins in Mallorca and Sardinia which contributed to their overall victory in the Audi MedCup Circuit 2008.

After winning the Audi MedCup Circuit 2008 title with a day to spare, Quantum Racing added victory in the Trophy of Portugal to cap their triumphant five months long season over which they won three of the six Audi MedCup Circuit regattas.

Steered by skipper Terry Hutchinson (USA), who started putting the winning campaign together just less than one year ago and has raced on the circuit over each of the three previous years, Quantum Racing won in Cagliari on Sardinia in Italy, at the Breitling Regatta on Mallorca, Spain and now in Portimao on Portugal’s Algarve coast.

As well as their three regatta wins Quantum Racing finished third at the first regatta of the season in Alicante. Fifth in Marseille in June was acall to raise their game, according to Hutchinson, and their fourth place last month in Cartagena, Murcia, Spain was enough to keep them firmly on course for the championship title they clinched yesterday.

A first and a fourth placed today for Quantum Racing pushed them to the top of the overall Portugal Trophy standings, winning by four points from Matador (ARG) who were let down by a disappointing 11th in the first race. Read Full Story

Outright Speed Sailing World Record for Rob Douglas: 49.84 knots

www.Sail-Search.com: www.Sail-Search.com: With a run of 49.84 knots, American kitesurfer Rob Douglas beat the outright World Speed Sailing Record over 500 metres today at the speed strip at Luderitz in Namibia. Frenchman Sebastien Cattelan reached 49,59 knots, also a great performance, to record the second fastest speed of all time. The "Luderitz Speed Challenge" has kicked off with a set of impressive performances, with the riders still having 25 days left to better the mythical 50 knots barrier. And why not?

The "Luderitz Speed Challenge" reached escape velocity today in Namibia as Rob Douglas smashed the record of Antoine Albeau (49.09 knots) with a run timed at 49.84 knots. Rob Douglas, 37, a former windsurfer who started kitesurfing in June, blew it away in Namibia. He had already beaten the previous US record earlier this week.

Sebastian Cattelan, alias "Catman", was not far off the pace. The Toulouse-born Frenchman, living in South Africa and an organiser of the event with Fred Dasse, clocked a run at 49.59 knots. He was initially credited with an unratified speed of 50.10 knots, but this speed was revised down by the WSSRC Commissioner after careful examination of timing data.

These two kitesurfers are definitely on the road towards the 50 knot challenge!

A record never falls alone, and several other great performances were established during today. Sjoukje Bredenkamp (South Africa) improved her existing world record with a speed of 45.20 knots: a new Women’s Outright World Record over 500 metres. The young South African has set the bar very high. Hennie Bredenkamp takes the African outright record with 47.59 knots, while David Williams and Jurgen Geiger respectively clocked at 43.32 and 44.90 knots to take the British Kitesurf record and the Outright Namibian record.

Performances of the day:
Day 4 – 19 Sept (WSSRC ratified)
Rob Douglas 49.84
Sebastian Cattelan 49.59
Alex Caizergues 48.69
Sjoukje Bredenkamp 45.20 (new women’s record)
Hennie Bredenkamp 47.59 (new Africa record)
David Williams 43.32 (new UK kite record)
Jurgen Geiger 44.90 (new Namibia record)

Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2008

ACI Match Cup Day Three

Once again the competitors of the ACI Match Race Cup were left becalmed, only this time the race committee just managed to get away one flight in the fickle winds. We managed to win our race against local Frane Barbieri, taking our total score to 11 wins and 2 losses, putting us in 2nd place just behind Sebastian Col.

Tomorrow is forecast for 30+ knots, and with 5 more flights left in the round robin as well as a full final series, the race committee has a lot of work to do in order to get through the full format. Although we are sitting in 2nd place, we are very eager to improve our result as the season is coming to a close, so hopefully the Bura won’t come in so strong.

In the lengthy time ashore today, we were able to check the new ISAF rankings out yesterday and were greeted with great news, as we jumped from 7th to 4th place. Our win in France and the 4th place at the Danish Open added some extra points to our already strengthening list of achievements. Now with the top 3 teams of Paolo Cian, Ian Williams and world number one Matthiu Richard so close in reach, every race is becoming more and more of a fight for the top spot.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
Mirsky Racing Team
http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Audi MedCup - Job Done. Quantum Won.

Quantum in Race 6 of the Audi MedCup in Portimão© Th.Martinez/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 19/09/08. Race 6

[Source: Event Media]
The Quantum Racing crew came ashore today at the Marina of Portimao having secured the overall Audi MedCup Circuit 2008 title.

And, finally pure simple arithmetic took over from Quantum theory. No more number crunching. No more evangelising on the simple Quantum quest for consistency through a long, gruelling season.

Terry Hutchinson and the crew of the American boat Quantum Racing won the Audi MedCup Circuit 2008 with a day to spare in Portimao, Portugal when only one race could be completed on the penultimate day of the Portugal Trophy Regatta.

As the breeze fell away to force the abandonment of the second race today, Race 7, and then precluded any further competition it meant Quantum Racing had built a n unassaibale lead of 52.2 points over second placed Bribon with no more than three races possible Saturday for the 15 boat fleet. Read Full Story

ACI Match Cup Day Two

With the Bora mountain wind settled down, Split was transformed into a tranquil bay with dicey winds that caused some delays. The race committee only managed to get 4 flights away before the breeze completely shut off at 4.30 this afternoon, putting pressure on them tomorrow to get through the big format.

We started the day with a tough match against the Kiwi team, Blackmatch Racing to finish off the first round robin. Our start was almost textbook, coming off the line with pace in a strong lee bow position which forced Minoprio to tack off. We pushed out to a distant left pressure which never came, giving Minoprio the upper hand. We rounded the top mark on his tail, and kept the game close downwind. After nailing the bottom mark rounding, we split tacked off to the right. This time we came out with the upper hand, and finished just in front to end the round on 7 wins and 2 losses.

So far the second round has run smoothly, winning 3 races straight. However after the second match our pitman had to sit out due to a head injury. We were forced to sail with a local star crew who happened to be out sailing at the time. This put the pressure on the four of us to pick up our game and fill in for our lost man, and it showed with a lot of mistakes being made around the course. However we managed to keep a tight lead into the finish line and ended the day with 4 wins from 4 races.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
MirskyRacingTeam

http://www.mirskyracingteam.com

Audi MedCup, Portugal - Day 3

[source: Event Media]
No wind, Coastal race cancelled in Portimao, Portugal.

Without leaving the dock in Marina Portimao Quantum Racing took a big step closer to the endgame, winning the Audi MedCup Circuit 2008, when the double points Coastal Race was cancelled due to the lack of wind. Audi MedCup

El Desafío leads the Portugal Trophy

First top mark.© Th.Martinez/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 17/09/08. Race5

El Desafío (ESP)© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 17/09/08. Race 4

MATADOR (ARG)© Th.Martinez/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 17/09/08. Race4

[source: Event Media]
Quantum Racing saw their Circuit lead eroded slightly while Matador won one race and finished second to take over third place on the overall Audi MedCup Circuit standings, while El Desafío leads the Portugal Trophy.

Leaving the Portimao race course having dropped six points off their Circuit lead it was hardly crisis time for Quantum Racing when they finished 10th in Race 6 of the Portugal Trophy Regatta - only their third double points score of 50 races so far of the Audi MedCup season - but the American boat did cede the regatta lead to Paul Cayard and the Spanish America’s Cup team on the green hulled El Desafio.

In light and shifty winds, between five and eight knots, Desafio posted a seventh and a second place to lead the second placed Argentinian boat Matador by a single point on the Portugal Trophy regatta leaderboard.

Alberto Roemmers’ Matador crew not only had the best day in the fifteen boat fleet, winning the first race and finishing second to Platoon powered by Team Germany in the second contest, but they overtook Torbjorn Tornqvist’s Artemis, to now hold third place on the overall Audi MedCup Circuit standings going in to Thursday’s crucial double points coastal race. Read on…

Portugal Trophy Standings after five races
Placing, Boat Name, Nationality, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Total
1 El Desafío ESP (10,2,3,7,3, 25)
2 Matador ESP (8,5,10,1,2, 26)
3 Quantum Racing USA (4,8,1,6,10, 29)
4 Platoon poweredby Team Germany GER (11,10,8,2,1, 32)
5 Synergy RUS (9,1,4,14,5, 33)
6 Bribón ESP (1,11,12,5,4, 33)
7 Audi Q8 ITA (2,9,2,15,4, 34)
8 CXG Corporación Caixa Galicia ESP (7,3,9,3,13,35)

9 Mutua Madrileña ESP (12,4,5,8,9, 38)
10 Artemis SWE (5,7,13,11,8, 44)

ACI Match Cup Day One

After experiencing a different side to match racing in Trieste, it is refreshing to step back into the more familiar 5 man boats. This time we find ourselves once again in Split, Croatia at one of the longest running match racing events (which is celebrating its 25th year) the ACI Match Cup.

Today saw an unexpected 20 knot Bora mountain wind reign supreme through to dusk, and with 10 teams in 10 boats meaning no breaks, it was a case of separating the boys from the men. We stepped it up from the start and despite some close matches, only lost to the two French teams of Bertrand Pace and Sebastian Col putting us in 4th place.

We came so close to winning this event last year, going down 3-2 to Paolo Cian in the finals, so we are as hungry as ever to get a another shot at the title. Although we motored through the racing today, it is far from over, with another whole round robin to be completed over the next two days. We are in a good position to build on our performance tomorrow which is steadily moving in the right direction.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Kinley Fowler
MirskyRacingTeam

www.mirskyracingteam.com

Western Australia To Host Sailing Qualification For 2012 London Olympic Games

[source: ISAF]
Following Beijing, sailors with Olympic dreams are shifting their focus to Western Australia as it prepares to host the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, the principal qualification regatta for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition.

Western Australia bid against seven other nations to win the rights to host Olympic sailing’s most prestigious regatta outside of the Olympic Games.

In announcing the decision to award the next event to Western Australia, ISAF noted sailing conditions and venue facilities as top priorities in selecting the host city and highlighted Perth and Fremantle’s strength in these areas with the infamous winds affectionately known as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ providing ideal sailing conditions and a high level of existing sailing infrastructure.

ISAF also commended Western Australia’s bid on the strength of financial and political support it had secured from both the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments.

The 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships will be a key qualification event for the 2012 Olympic Games in London and will once again showcase Western Australia as a premier international sailing location.

More than 5,000 visitors, including 1,500 sailors, are expected to visit Western Australia for the two week competition to determine the world champion for each of the ten Olympic sailing classes.

Combined with its natural beauty, Western Australia’s summer will ensure that ideal wind and weather conditions will provide a worthy test for sailors and guarantee a world-class display for spectators.

In a program that is central to ISAF’s long-term objectives, the event will also assist emerging and developing sailing nations through a program that will offer assistance to athletes from less affluent nations to attend pre-event training and the main event.

The program will boost the number of participating nations at the World Championships and provide emerging nations with an opportunity to gain qualification for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

ISAF Sailing World Championships - www.sailing.org/isafworlds

54 days to go to the start of yachting’s Everest

[source: Event Media]
Today (Tuesday 16th September) in the presence of the thirty solo skippers who will be setting out from Les Sables d’Olonne on 9th November for the sixth edition of the Vendée Globe, Philippe de Villiers, President of the Vendée public-private partnership, the event organiser, presented the main features characterising this exceptional edition.

This year’s Vendée Globe is outstanding because of the number taking part and the quality of the line-up. Seven nationalities are represented: 17 French yachtsmen, 7 from Britain, 1 American, 2 Swiss sailors, 1 Canadian, 1 Spaniard and 1 Austrian. Read full press release here

Audi MedCup, Portugal - Day 1

The Fleet unde Spinnaker© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão.

16/09/08. Race 1

Quantum Racing in the first Race in PORTUGAL© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão.

16/09/08. Race 1

Tau Ceramica-Andalucia and Audi Q8© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão.

16/09/08. Race 1

Two surprises on the podium. Quantum Racing stock is still rising.

[source: Event Media]
The American boat Quantum Racing moved 11 points closer to winning the Audi MedCup Circuit today as Audi Q8 and Synergy had their best set of races of the season so far, Audi Q8 lie second on the same points as regatta leaders Quantum Racing.

After the first three races of the Portugal Trophy off Portimao, the final regatta of the Audi MedCup Circuit, there may be a pair of new names making a late season challenge, lying in second and third, but leading the regatta it is the American boat Quantum Racing whose stock is still rising as they extend their overall hold on the overall title to more than 50 points with just four days left of the 2008 season’s competition.

As the Russian crew on Synergy became the 12th different team to take a winning gun on the Circuit this season, triumphing in Race 2 in fine style, so too Riccardo Simoneschi’s Audi Sailing Team powered by Q8 (ITA) came good with their best day yet, scoring a ninth then two second places to lie second sharing the same overall points as Quantum Racing. And if Synergy had not let slip their third place which they held until the final 400 metres of the last race of the day, they too would have been on 13 points. Read on…

Portugal Trophy Standings after three races:

Place, Boat name, Nationality, R1 R2 R3, Points

1. Quantum USA (4,8,1) 13

2. Audi Q8 ITA(2,9,2) 13

3. Synergy RUS (9,1,4) 14

4. El Desafio ESP (10,2,3) 15

5. CXG Corporación Caixa Galicia ESP (7,3,9) 19

6. Mutua Madrileña ESP (12,4,5) 21

7. Tau Andalucía ESP(3,14,6) 238. Matador ARG (8,5,10) 23

9. Bribón ESP (1,11,12) 24

10. Artemis SUE (5,7,13) 25

Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy starts today

Audi TP52 Powered by Q8 heads downwind© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 15/09/08. Practice Race

The TP52 fleet head downwind© Ian Roman/AUDI MEDCUP. Portugal, Portimão. 15/09/08. Practice Race

After an interesting, exacting and even-sided practice race in perfect light wind conditions and warm sunshine on the Algarves Atlantic waters off Portimao, Portugal the stage is set for the final regatta of the Audi MedCup Circuit, the Portugal Trophy regatta. Audi MedCup

Portugal Trophy, Practice race.
1. Audi Q8, ITA
2.El Desafío, ESP, + 35 seconds
3. Cristabella, GBR, +1 min 02 sec
4. Bribón, ESP, + 1 min 20 sec
5. Artemis, SWE, + 1 min 22 sec

Rolex Big Boat Series

Final Day on San Francisco Bay; Six Perpetual Trophies Awarded

[source: Event Media]
There's a saying in sailboat racing that if there's wind, then everyone is happy. It's safe to say that the competitors in the Rolex Big Boat Series were ecstatic with today's conditions of 8-10 knots in the morning, building to 15+ knots by early afternoon for the regatta's final race - known as the Bay Tour. The St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) Race Committee sent the 10 competing classes on courses ranging from 15.44 to 21.01 nautical miles. When it was all over, six of the 10 class winners were awarded one of the StFYC's Perpetual Trophies as well as a Steel Submariner Rolex timepiece in recognition of their accomplishments.

Earlier this morning, as a tribute to the late Olin J. Stephens, each boat motored past the yacht club, through the 'A' and 'B' marks which would later serve as the finish line, and tossed one single white rose into the Bay before heading out to the race course.

In IRC A class, Bill Turpin's (Santa Cruz, CA) Reichel/Pugh 78 Akela took line honors in the final race; however it was John Kilroy Jr's (Los Angeles, CA) TP52 Samba Pa Ti that won the race on corrected time and with it the St. Francis Perpetual Trophy. Dedicated in 1964, it is the only one that does not rotate among the classes each year. It was deeded to the premier handicap division, the IRC A class in this 44th annual regatta.

Vinctore, the Reichel/Pugh IRC 52 chartered by Jim Mitchell (Zurich, SUI) finished second overall, while Akela was third in the 9-boat class.

IRC A (9 boats)
1. Samba Pa Ti, John Kilroy, Jr, San Francisco, CA, 4-1-3-1-4-1-1, 15
2. Vincitore, Jim Mitchell, Zurich, SUI, 3-4-1-2-2-2-2, 16
3. Akela, Bill Turpin, Santa Cruz, CA, 2-3-4-4-1-5-4, 23, 5

IRC B (9 boats)
1. TNT, Brad Copper, Pt. Richmond, CA, 1-2-2-2-1-2-1, 11
2. Rancho Deluxe, Michael Diepenbrock, Newport, RI, 2-3-3-1-2-3-2, 16
3. Swiftsure, Sy Kleinman, Saratoga, CA, 5-1-6-3-4-1-3, 23

IRC C (8 boats)
1. TKO, Dave Kirby, Manhattan Beach, CA, 1-3-1-1-1-2-1, 10
2. Scorpio, John Siegel, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-3-3-5-1-4, 19
3. BustinLoose, Jeff Pulford, Monterey, CA, 5-2-4-2-2-3-5, 23

IRC D (13 boats)
1. White Dove, Mike Garl, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-5-1-2-1-1, 13
2. Tupelo Honey, Gerard Sheridan, San Francisco, CA, 1-4-6-2-1-2-3, 19
3. Inspired Environments, Timothy Ballard, Sausalito, CA, 5-6-4-7-6-5-5, 38

Rolex Swan Cup - Day 6

COMMANDING PERFORMANCES CROWNED

[source: Event Media]
The final day of the Rolex Swan Cup 2008 dawned with an overcast sky and a moderate southwesterly of 15 knots. With the forecast yesterday warning that the wind would build during the day, the start time had been brought forward to 1030. The weather played ball for three of the divisions to complete one race apiece and for the Swan 45s to complete two. At the end of a difficult week with wind at both ends of the scale, the Rolex Swan Cup overall division winners were: Roel Pieper's Swan 80 Favonius (BVI) in Swan Maxi, Hendrik Brandis & Christian Nagel's Earlybird (GER) in Swan 45, Enrico Scerni's Kora (ITA) in Club Swan 42 and John Bainbridge's Swan 48 Zen (GBR) in the Classics. Read on…

Silver & Bronze for Australia in the Paralympic Games 2008

[Laura Baldwin, Yachting Australia, Sunday, 14 September 2008]

SKUD 18 - Two Person Keelboat - AUS Team: Dan Fitzgibbon & Rachael Cox (QLD)

2008 Paralympic Silver Medallists

The Australian SKUD 18 crew of Dan Fitzgibbon and Rachael Cox won the first race on the final day and finished 2nd in the last race of the series to win the 2008 Paralympic Silver Medal. The American crew of Nick Scandone and Maureen Mckinnon-Tucker won Gold with a day to spare so the battle on the final day was for Silver and Bronze with the Canada crew of John Scott McRoberts and Stacie Louttit taking home the bronze.

Leader Board:
1st - USA - 11 points
2nd - AUS - 18 points
3rd - CAN - 21 points


Sonar - Three Person Keelboat - AUS Team: Colin Harrison, Graeme Martin & Russell Boaden (WA) - BRONZE!!

2008 Paralympic Bronze Medallists

The Australian Sonar Team of Colin Harrison, Graeme Martin & Russell Boaden won the 2008 Paralympic Bronze Medal, missing Silver on coutback as they tied on 36 points with the French Team.

After leading the Sonar three man keelboat thoughout the Paralympic Regatta, France have missed taking the Gold Medal by one point from the German crew. Australia has taken the Bronze.

Leader Board:
1st - GER - 35 points
2nd - FRA - 36 points
3rd - AUS - 36 points

Rolex Big Boat Series - Day 3

IRC A class start in the shadow of the Bay Bridge
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

R/P 45 Criminal Mischief, Chip Megeath
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Taboo, Stephen Pugh
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Pinta, Michael Illbruck
Photo by: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Hold on, it's going to get windy!

[source: Event Media]
Despite a light wind start to the third day of racing at Rolex Big Boat Series, the St. Francis Yacht Club's (StFYC) race committee completed two races for the 1,000-plus sailors competing. The wind built to a suitable 6-8 knots while racers waited on San Francisco Bay for the 11am start of race one. However by mid-day the wind picked up to the more typical 15-18 knot range and with a strong 3-knot ebb current to battle, race two was where fortunes were decided. The StFYC will award its six Perpetual Trophies after tomorrow's final Bay Tour Race, the traditional end for the seven-race, four-day regatta.

In IRC A, the class with the largest boats, Bill Turpin's (Santa Cruz, CA) Reichel/Pugh 78 Akela took line honors in the first race, followed closely by Vinctore, the Reichel/Pugh IRC 52 chartered by Jim Mitchell (Zurich, SUI) with tactician Gavin Brady onboard. However, John Kilroy's (Los Angeles, CA) TP52 Samba Pa Ti crossed the finish line ahead of Vincitore in race two and with it moved to the top of the 9-boat class.

"I think our position right now, after the last race, is that we're tied for first," said Kilroy. Indeed, Samba Pa Ti and Vincitore are tied on points; however Samba has won three races to Vincitore's one win, giving them the temporary tie break. "Hopefully it will come down to the last race tomorrow between us." Read on…