The Championship has reached the half way mark, and tomorrow is a rest day - which by all accounts will be very welcome. The heat was on in Porto Alegra today - on and off the water. Reigning World Champion, Zvonko Jelacic made a solid move today, putting a small but solid buffer between himself and the chasing pack.
By the end of Day 3, 12 races have been completed. In a fleet of 76 boats, Zvonko has not had a finish outside the top ten, and is dropping a seventh and a fourth place! Peter Stollery's charge hit a bit of a road block late on day 3, and he will start the next day in B fleet after a difficult race 12.
Our Aussies had a mixed bag today, with the best performance coming from Paul Jones, who continues to make solid progress up the leader board into 5th place overall. Unfortunately, Sean's dream run stumbled at the last couple of hurdles, notching up a couple of finishes somewhere in the 20s. He too will start the day in B fleet, looking forward to trying to get his program back on track.
Rosco struggled in the lighter conditions, and is hoping for the wind to blow for the rest of the event, as his speed picks up as the wind does.
Looking at the photo below, and if you listen really hard, you will be able to hear Rosco calling out 'I've got you on toast Zvonko!'
Our Aussie skippers are currently palced as follows: Paul Jones 5th, Sean Wallis 8th, Rosco Bennett 16th, Doug Allen 18th, John Cole-Cook 24th, Russell Grey 52nd, John Gower 54th and Edgar Vitte 57th.
How hard is it to do well at this level? Have a look at the photos below and imagine trying to negotiate some of these situations!!
Tomorrow is the rest day, so the evening BBQ was put on at the Yacht Club. From all accounts the evening went off pretty well. It looks as though the Brazillians know how to BBQ too!
Results after 12 Races as follows:
