After its second place to SHOGUN V in the Melbourne to Geelong race yesterday, GEORGIA had maybe its best day of racing ever today with 3 firsts in 3 windward leeward races to give her a commanding lead half way through the Regatta.
The opening race took place in light 6 - 8 knot winds. Any concerns that the new keel may be a disadvantage in the light were dispelled when GEORGIA had a first on both line and handicap. First to the top mark on the first beat, she never looked back and won comfortably. After a long break when the wind dropped out, the sea breeze came in. The second race was sailed in about 12 knots. Once again, GEORGIA was up with LIVING DOLL and SHOGUN V, with all three boats crossing the line close together. GEORGIA got the race on corrected time, but only 1 second ahead of the TP52 CALM, which had been performing consistently and quietly behind the first three.
The third race was sailed in even stronger wind - up around 15 or 16 knots. SHOGUN V had a superb first beat, with GEORGIA struggling a little off the start line to clear herself from another 52, the well performed SCARLET RUNNER (a former Hamilton Island Regatta winner). GEORGIA and LIVING DOLL gradually gained ground on the first run and the second beat on SHOGUN V but the latter still had a comfortable lead at the top mark for the second time. However, she then failed to make a clean hoist and LIVING DOLL and GEORGIA closed right up on her. Once again, the margin on the finish line between the 3 boats was close with GEORGIA winning on corrected time from SHOGUN V by 8 seconds.
The regatta is now at the half way mark and GEORGIA has a clear lead from CALM and SHOGUN V third and LIVING DOLL fourth.
Tomorrow is a critical day. Three more windward leeward races with one final race on Sunday.