Well over half-way through the 2007 J/24 World Championship in Vallarta, Nayarit in Mexico, Brazil’s Mauricio Santacruz and his Bruschetta team are still firmly in first place, with Chris Snow’s Bogus from the USA right at his heels.

Although USA continues to hold three of the top five spots from the 70-boat fleet, with Mark Hillman on WIP and Mike Ingham’s Brain Cramp claiming third and fourth place, the British team of Ian Southworth and Chris McLaughlin on Imarsat Hedgehog are just one point adrift of fifth place.

Southy and team won the first race on Wednesday to add to their previous race win and currently holds 62 points against the leader’s 33 pts.

Other British placings include Bob Turner/Alastair Clarke in 27th position and James Chalmers/Gareth Robinson in 40th.

Results (after eight races)