| MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA-(7-1-2003) Tough sailing conditions on Day 3 of the Sail Melbourne Australian 49er Championship being sailed out of Royal Geelong Yacht Club in Victoria had a number of boats running for cover.
Only one race was sailed on the windward/leeward course on Corio Bay, with winds averaging around 20-21 knots, but with big gusts and instant increases in winds from 13 straight to 20 knots - no questions asked!
Only the brave started and finished the course today, with Denis Jones/Simon Sutherland from WA taking the gun from 18ft skiff toughies John Harris/Euan McNicol (NSW) and Chris Nicholson/Gary Boyd in 3rd. Nicholson came from a third last placing to finish 3rd - he has always revelled in the heavier airs.
Although it looked like carnage on the water, mostly only minor repairable damage was done, except for the Russian team of Ilya Ermakov/Maxim Logoutenko losing their port wing.
Three cheers to the youngTardrew brothers, Ben and Marcus, who led at the first mark, but having kite problems dropped them back to finish 4th overall - a big effort, and definitely a pair to watch.
The Sibello brothers, Pietro and Gianfranco finished the race in 5th spot, which was enough for them to hold the lead in the Championship after one race drop with 17 points from Nicholson/Boyd with 21, Mark Turnbull/Nick Partridge (Vic) on 22 and the Tardrew brothers on 27 points.
Race organisers at Geelong abandoned racing for the rest of the day due to conditions.
With the series finishing January 9, competitors will leave Geelong to contest the Olympic & Invited Classes Regatta at Sandringham Yacht club.
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