The British team Sunnucks/Self moved into the overall lead of the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta yesterday. The Dutch Formula 18 teams Larsen/Pols and Graat/Koene claimed the second and third position overall. Due to light winds, the race committee had to shorten the two races of the day.

The first race started with light wind conditions. After a general recall the fleet started correctly at the second signal but the shifty conditions forced the race committee to shorten the race. The British couple Julia and Ashly Machin, sailing a Hurricane 5.9, had a good race, which resulted in a second place on rating. The previous day’s leaders, Richard Allen and Stuart Gummer, sailed a dramatic race. After a good start, they ended up in a windless part of the course. A 37th position was the result.

In the afternoon, two swimming contests were organised for the sailors and their partners. Meanwhile, the wind increased to Force 3, which was enough for a second race. Due to a late start, the race committee used a short course and the competitors only had to sail two laps. Richard Allen and Stuart Gummer recovered perfectly with a victory. The gap between them and Gunnar Larsen and Xander Pols from the Netherlands, was 13 seconds. William Sunnucks and Mark Self got a third place, moving them into the lead after three races, followed by the Dutch teams Larsen/Pols and Graat/Koene.

The regatta will conclude on 14 November and a long distance race will be held on the penultimate day.

Results (after three races)

1. Tornado / GBR – Sunnucks and Self

2. Formule 18 / NED – Larsen and Pols

3. Formule 18 / NED – Graat and Koene

4. Tornado / GBR – Northrop and Speller

5. Tornado / GBR – Barnes and Smith