Issue # 197

 Today's Sailing News 

Star Worlds

Race 2 of the Star worlds was unable to start until 1500 due to lack of wind.  Once underway the racing was tough and compelling.

First in this light air contest was the team of Gavin Brady and Jamie Gale of New Zealand.  This team is looking to end the contest in the top 20.  This would give them a berth at the Sydney Olympic regatta.  

The New Zealanders were 2nd at the 1st mark.  They made a pass for the lead downwind and were never headed from there.  In 2nd was this years Bacardi Cup winning team from Canada Macdonald and Bjorn.  3rd were Americans Mark Reynolds and Magnus Liljerdahl.  They picked up 5 places on this final leg.

Reynolds and Lilgerdahl lead the 112 boat fleet with 4 points.  Brady and Gale are a close 2nd with 6 points.

A bit further back in 3rd is the brother team of Doug and Robert Schofiled.  Another 2 points back is the American team of Macausland and Trinter.  5th is the Italian team of D'ali and Colandrro.  Finally 6th is held by Mcdonald and Bjork.

Race 3 will determine if one of these teams can further distance themselves from their close competitors.

Playstation V. The Atlantic

The 105 foot catamaran skippered by Steve Fossett has now been through 2 nites at sea.  After 32 hours Playstation's average speed stood at 19.5 knots.  The catamaran had seen average speeds as high as 25.5 knots and as low as 13.6 knots over the course of an hour.  

Her last reported position was 41° latitude, 60° west longitude.  This means her course has taken her a bit south of New York.  The finish in England lies over 10° of latitude north.

Although still early in the crossing Playstation's average speed of 19.5 knots is above the record speed of 18.62 knots.  With Playstation having reeled off 5 hours of above 20 knot speeds the most prestigious Trans Atlantic record is still in Playstation's sites.

Worrell 1000

The Worrell 1000 is now onto it's 7th leg.  The fleet of Inter 20 catamarans is now sailing the Atlantic off South Carolina.

Randy Smyth and Matt Struble consolidated their overall lead.  Their margin is now nearly 35 minutes.

Leg 7 was an 86.3 mile nite time sail to Myrtle Beach also in South Carolina.  Unlike some earlier legs which were record breaking fast, Leg 7 was a lite air affair.  

Smyth and Struble have set records on several legs with average speeds of 20+ knots.  In comparison Leg 7 was won with an average of 7.7 knots.

By Saturday the fleet will have put South Carolina, and North Carolina behind.  The race will finish in Virginia Beach with Smyth and Struble looking strong for victory.