The 226 boats sailing on Sydney Harbour in the Sydney International Regatta (SIRs) saw up to 25 knots from the north-east today. Ideal conditions for ‘sending it’ according to Chris Nicholson who is currently placed in equal first with Iker and Xabier Fernandez from Spain in the 49er class with Adam Beashel and Ed Smythe from New Zealand in third on a count back.

The Laser fleet with 55 entries and an ISAF Grade One ranking, is being led by Daniel Slater from New Zealand who had a first and second placing in the two races held today. Dutch sailor Pieter-Jan Postma is in second, with Queensland’s Brendan Casey sailing for Australia in third.

Melanie Dennison and her crew sailed well in the Yngling class with a first and second putting them in first ahead of the mixed crew from Sweden. Adrian Nash and his crew are placed in third ahead of Nikki Bethwaithe.

World Champion in the Europe class Sarah Blanck leads the fleet with two firsts and Kate O’Brien from New Zealand is in second with two-second places.

Jon-Paul Tobin, recently nominated for NZL Yachtsman of the Year, is leading the men’s Mistral fleet from Australian Olympic hopeful Lars Kleppich. Romy Kinel from Germany leads the women’s Mistral fleet from Barbara Kendall of New Zealand.

First position in the Finn class is currently held by Anthony Nossiter, who had three bullets, with WA sailor Josh Beaver finishing second in the three races. Another WA sailor Dean McAullay is currently in third with two thirds and a fifth.

The 28-strong field of 470s sailed as a combined fleet with Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page leading the men’s division with three firsts from New Zealand’s Andrew Brown and Jamie Hunt. French sailors Ingrid Petitjean and Nadene Douroux lead the women’s fleet from Australia’s Jenny Armstrong and Belinda Stowell.

Results for all classes racing at SIRs can be seen on the YA of NSW website at www.nsw.yachting.org.au Racing continues for the next three days on Sydney Harbour with all fleets expecting some good competition.