| MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA-(31-12-2003) The World ranked No. 1 pair of Hans-Peter Schwarz and Peter van Koppen (GER) continue their domination of the Australian Open Championship for Flying Dutchman being hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club in Melbourne.
Race 4 of the Sail Melbourne event was sailed today in light fluky breezes of 5-8 knots, competitors commenting it was in contrast to yesterday, but just as tricky.
'This is a real light crew day, and a day for novices,' Ian Ruff from Canberra (AUS) said.
While Schwarz/van Koppen head the points board with eight on the low point system, Norman Rydge/Richard Scarr (AUS) continue to sail well, currently holding down second place overall with 15 points from former World champions, Ian McCrossin/James Cook (AUS), while Hans Genthe/Hauke Drengenberg (GER) are in fourth overall.
Current World champions, Srabolics Maethenyi/Andras Domokas (HUN) had the misfortune of an OCS in Race 4, relegating them from their second overall on countback of yesterday to ninth overall today.
Up to and including Race 4 gives Rydge/Scarr (NSW) the lead in the Australian Championship from McCrossin/Cook (NSW) with Brett Beyer/Roddy Johnson (NSW) in third place.
The remaining race of the series will be sailed this afternoon, with the seven-race World Championship to commence on January 2nd 2004.
For all details and results go to the official website: www.sailmelbourne.com.au
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