Another day of light winds in Portland Harbour yesterday (23 September, 2001) brought about the postponement of one of three scheduled races.

Race four was sailed in an easterly breeze that was slightly lighter than the previous day. Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards on ‘mStation’ sailed an excellent first beat to lead by a good margin at the windward mark, followed by Ollie Holden, Ben Clothier and Will Clothier, sailing out of their skins on ‘Total Recall’. ‘Alba Marine Ltd’, sailed by Martin Goodlad, John Aitken and Roy Goodlad was fourth at that stage, with Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers in fifth.

‘mStation’ sailed away to a big lead, which they held to the finish. ‘Total Recall’ was still holding second place at the leeward mark, but ‘RMW Marine’ judged the short beat to the finishing line to perfection, and snatched the position from them by less than 18 inches.

Race officer Richard Stevens then sent the fleet ashore to await instructions, as the breeze had faded a little, but it had returned sufficienly after about an hour to allow race five to take place.

Tim Penfold, Andrew Jameson and Will Penfold on ‘Marlow’ rounded the first windward mark with a short lead, and sailed an excellent race to finish in a comfortable first place. ‘RMW Marine’ finished second, after having to work hard to move up from fourth in the early stages, and ‘mStation’ also sailed well to take third.

The overall situation after five races sees ‘RMW Marine’ still in the top spot, but not having things all their own way, as they have in so many events in the past two seasons. The final racing will take place today.

Results (after five races, one discard)

1st ‘RMW Marine’, Rob Greenhalgh, Dan Johnson and Jonny Meers, 6 points

2nd ‘Marlow’, Tim Penfold, Andrew Jameson and Will Penfold, 8.7 points

3rd ‘mStation’, Andy Richards, Stevie Mitchell and Dave Richards, 23.7 points

4th ‘White Stuff’, Victor Brellisford, James Fawcett and Dave Smith, 26.1 points

5th ‘Gofish’, Jon Bennett, Andy Jeffries and Don Francis, 41 points

6th ‘Specialized Marine’, Chris Turner, Pete Bagwell and Dave Dubrovnic, 44.7 points