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Being optimised for light to medium conditions, Sarab Singh’s Welbourn 52 Windsikher II edged in front of Kevin Whitcraft’s TP52 THA 72, on the first lap tacking duel and more importantly extended on the rest of the IRC 1 fleet, to claim the daily double and secure top spot on the pointscore. Second place for Nick Burns/Fred Kinmonth’s Sydney GTS 43 Mandrake II are three points adrift of Windsikher II and by keeping in front of third placed, Steve Manning’s Ker 42 Black Baza the podium positions are becoming clearer. After examining the Race 3 data from the yacht GPS trackers, the International Jury ruled in favour of Singh’s Windsikher II and reversed the 1, 2 positions with Manning’s Black Baza is important, as there are no drop races at this regatta and all scores to count.

Making the most of the early conditions, Geoff Hill’s Smith 72 Antipodes were first to reach the shortened course mark and victory brings them to within one point, of the leader Malaysian Armed Forces Farr 520 Zuhal skippered by Mohd Masyuri, who scored second place. This means the Premier Cruising Class title, comes down to tomorrows final showdown, between these two yachts. Third place for Andrew Cocks Simonis Voogd 56 Starlight has kept them honest and will settle on third overall.

By hitting the starting line with speed and clear air, David Fuller’s Beneteau 44.7 Fujin six wins, has raced away with the IRC Class 3 title, with a day to spare. After a slow start to the regatta, Craig Douglas Beneteau 47 Popeye has scored four 2nd places in a row and raises a two point buffer, over third placed John Kara’s Beneteau First 45 Insanity. In fourth overall, Jeff Harris’ J 92S Nijinski has traded places with Kara’s Insanity and if the conditions suit them, still have a chance of toppling Insanity for third overall.

As the wind faded away, so did the chance of most the Cruising Class yachts to improve their standings. Current leader Chris Mitchell’s Naut 40 Lady Bubbly was the only yacht to finish the shortened course. Four wins in the last four races, gives them the Cruising Class title, with a day to spare. Rama’s Dehler 34 V.G.Offshore retains second overall and Arne Hayn’s Dehler 34 Delite aims to hold onto third overall.

Similar circumstances for the Classic Cruising Class with big repercussions. Only Jeremy Camps Impala 28 Old Pulteney Blue Angel and Keith Miller’s Harmony 38 Sade 2 finished the race. This increases Camps Old Pulteney Blue Angel lead and bumps Miller’s Sade 2 up into second overall and will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat, to defend the title. It ends Dato Richard Curtis’ 100 year old Bristol Pilot Cutter Eveline, skippered by Trevor Richards run of good form at the title and will have to settle on third overall.

The final day of racing begins with a high noon shootout on Bass Harbour tomorrow. PRO Jerry Rollin hopes to make up for the lost race today, by running three races for the IRC racing classes. Only one harbour race is scheduled for the Cruising Classes and hopefully the wind plays ball, for a memorable conclusion to this 27th edition.

More info, photos and results on the Raja Muda Selangor Int. Regatta website.

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