With four races now scheduled for the final day, racing was brought forward to an 1100 start on day three of the Fireball International Week in Australia. The prospects for a good day’s sailing looked very encouraging as the fleet launched in eight to ten knots of breeze and sunshine.

The wind had dropped a notch or two by the time the fleet got to the start area but there was still ample breeze for good racing. It took three black flag starts before the fleet got away to race one. The race officer showed that no matter who you are you could not get away with cheating as Fireball International Commodore Penny Gibbs was caught over the line on one of the black flag starts and sent home.

It was European Champion Andy Smith and James Meldrum who demonstrated they would be a force to contend with in the worlds next week as they took the race win.

Race two and the dozen or so boats black flagged from the first race rejoined the fleet. The breeze had also stated to build and boats were seen raking back. It was Australians Rob Inns and Philip Bowley who made the best of the new breeze to take the race win, followed by fellow Australian’s Bret Young and Allen Blenkle in second.

Race three of the day and it was Bret and Allen who continued to show good pace in the moderate breezes and take their second race win in International Week. Second was the ever consistent Shane MacCarthy and Roger Gilbert from Ireland. Also showing strong form in race three was the UK’s Derian Chandler and Olly Goldsmith who took a very commendable forth place.

After over five hours of fantastic racing in some superb conditions a weary fleet headed ashore to make ready for the New Year’s celebrations.

Overall Results

1st AUS 14849, Bret Young and Allen Blenkle

2nd IRL 14834, Shane MacCathy and Roger Gilbert

3rd GBR 14809, Dave Wade and Richard Wagstaff

4th GBR 14801, Andy Smith and James Meldrum

5th AUS 14782, Robin Inns and Phillip Bowley

6th GBR 14855, Richard Estaugh and Simon Potts