Sailing on a two-lap outer trapezoid course in building 15-25 knot sea breezes, the pair finished the only race of the day in second place to take the lead.

Race Officials at Sandringham Yacht Club tried to get a second race in for the 470 fleet today, but having trouble with a moving start buoy in the increasing winds and seas, they were forced to abandon racing for the rest of the day.

With some confusion in regard to sail numbers yesterday, Gustavo Martinez/Dimas Valdivieso (ESP) moved up the leaderboard and finishing Race 3 in second place today, the World ranked 8 duo have equal points to the leaders but are relegated to second place overall on count back.

Gildas Philippe/Nicolas Le Berre (FRA) continue their successful regatta, an eighth today putting them in third place, just one point behind the Spanish pair.

Nathan Wilmot/Malcolm Page (AUS) had their worst result today, a 13th place, leaving them in fourth overall.

In the Womens fleet, Natalia Via-defresne/Sandra Azon (ESP) have taken the lead with a seventh place today, from Christina Bassadone/Katherine Hopson (GBR), who came home 11th. In close racing, the two pairs are on equal points of 37, the latter filling second place in a count back.

Vlada Ilienko/Natalia Gapanovich (RUS) came back with a vengeance today, the World ranked 2 pair scoring 10th to go into third place overall.

Ingrid Petitjean/Nadege Douroux (FRA) finished 12th, Jenny Armstrong/Belinda Stowell (AUS) 23rd, did not have a good day, their results relegating them to fourth and fifth overall respectively.

Meanwhile, the Europe, Finn and Tornado classes were waiting for the 470 start before they could start their day – officials having to abandon all racing with the increasing winds and seaway – Tornado’s capsizing all over the Bay before heading ashore.

Racing continues on Port Phillip Bay tomorrow. Results are provisional.

For full information, results and photos go to: www.sailmelbourne.com.au

Source: Sail Melbourne - Di Pearson