| AUSTRALIA, NSW COAST-(27-12-2003) The super maxis Skandia and Zana are continuing their boat-for-boat, transTasman duel for line honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Rac, sailing past Montagu Island on the New South Wales South Coast early this morning.
Last night’s surprise fleet leader, the smaller but remarkably fast 66-footer, Grundig AAPT, had dropped back to third in the fleet, but 14 miles astern of the leaders.
Positions reported by radio to the Rolex Race Relay Vessel, Four Seasons, at 3am showed Grant Wharington’s 98-footer Skandia from Mornington Yacht Club in Victoria back in the lead after having first lost it to New Zealand rival, Zana late yesterday afternoon, then to Grundig by early evening.
All 56 yachts reported their positions at the 3am “sked” with no retirements since the 628 nautical mile race started at 1pm yesterday. All the yachts are now sailing close to the coast, with the fleet spread back to Katinka, some 180 miles astern of the leaders.
The fleet continues to sail in relatively comfortable 10-15 knot south-west to south-easterly winds and moderate seas, with the winds expected to lighten during the day and later swing to the east and north-east by Sunday.
Skandia’s lead over Zana, skippered by Stewart Thwaites, from Wellington’s Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club is only marginal, however, less than one mile with the New Zealand boat slightly further to sea.
Progressive handicap placings based on positions reported at 3am show a new boat heading the leader board in the IMS division, with the well-sailed Beneteau 40.7, First National Real Estate, skippered by Michael Spies, leading Geoff Ross’ new 52-footer, Yendys, and Stephen Ainsworth’s Swan 48, Loki.
Under IRC handicaps, it’s Loki in first place on corrected time, First National Real Estate second and Bob Steel’s Quest in third place.
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