British sailor Jon Powell and his team from Warsash Sailing Club are currently leading the J/24 European Championship after five races. Powell who’s been racing with his current team for many seasons aboard his J/24 Peggy, and his Hunter 707, is now four points clear of fellow British sailor Ian Southworth and his Hamble-based team aboard Hedgehog.

In generally windy conditions Team Peggy have notched up some respectable results at the top of the fleet (4,8,3,2,6) and, although they’ve yet to score a first place, their consistency puts them ahead of the game at the halfway stage of the regatta.

The initial event leader – David Ellis with his team aboard Hitch Hiker – had a bad day yesterday with a 19th and 14th which now leaves them in sixth place.

Results (after five races)

1st GBR 4268, PEGGY, POWELL Jon, POWELL Tim, LOVE Graeme, ROBINSON Chris, SMITH Keith,23.00pts

2nd GBR 4177, HEDGEHOG, SOUTHWORTH Ian, MC LAUGHLIN Chris, MC LELLAND Andrew, HAYMAN Mark,COOK Richard, 27.00pts

3rd GBR 4223,TEAM GUL, WATSON Gavin, DENWING Gary, HIRST Nick, PULLEN Paul, HUNTLEY Scott, 33.00pts

4th GBR 4247, SERCO DEFENCE, ALASTAIR Clarke,CHALMERS James, MALEIN Nick, TURNER Bob, CLARKE Tim, 35.00pts

5th NED 62,UGS J/SPOT, KOK Ivo,VANDENBERG Remco, KASTEEL Erikvan, PLATTEEUW Kim, FLINT Robert, 40.00pts

6th GBR 4242,HITCH HIKER, ELLIS David,BURCHELL Jo, SPIERS Simon, WATSON Ewan, THOMPSON Rachel, 44.00pts