(From the CYCA web site: www.cyca.com.au)

Spithill continues her dominance to book a place in the final of Harken Women’s Regatta

Katie Spithill and her team of Olivia Price, Laura Baldwin and Rayshele Martin (Australian Sailing Development Squad) have sailed for the second day in a row with no losses to secure first place in the regatta going into tomorrow’s Grand Final.

Racing got underway today at 10:15 in a 12-15 knot southerly breeze with two flights needing to be sailed for the completion of round robin two. New Zealander Osborne almost caused an upset losing narrowly to Souter by 1 second in Flight Eight. Osborne took full advantage of a strong current in the pre-start, forcing Souter into an early penalty. Souter then worked hard to get one back prior to the start. Osborne ended up with the lead heading into the final downwind sprint, before her spinnaker collapsed, opening up a small window for Souter, who steamed through to win by the H of the Harken decal on the bow of the boat.

Amanda Scrivenor secured second place, at the end of round robin two, with a strong win over Osborne in flight nine. Scrivenor forced Osborne into an immediate penalty moments before the start which resulted in a clear lead for Scrivenor which she maintained throughout the flight.

By the time racing got underway in the Semi Finals, conditions slightly changed to south/sou’east with winds gusting between 10-15 knots. Spithill chose to compete against Lucinda Whitty and crew (who were tied for third place with Nicky Souter at the end of round robin two). Spithill triumphed coming up with two straight wins showing strong racing tactics, to take her place in the Grand Final.

In the Flight Two of the semi finals Whitty tried to force Spithill into a penalty in the pre-start, however the umpires saw it differently, giving Whitty a penalty for failing to keep clear. This gave Spithill enough room to speed away with the win. However, Whitty came across the finish line flying a protest flag. The request for redress was denied, enabling Spithill to move through to the Grand final leaving Whitty to sail the Petit Final.

Scrivenor was forced to fight out her place with Nicky Souter over three matches. Scrivenor and Souter scored a win each with the final placings hinging on one final match. Souter sailed a solid tactical race from the outset which allowed her to take the flight by 20 seconds, cementing her place in the Grand Final.

Scrivenor will meet Whitty in the Petit Final. Racing in the finals will commence at 11:15 tomorrow with the winner of the regatta being the first to reach three points. The weather forecast is predicting lighter east/south’easterly of 5-10 knots which will see more close racing to complete the regatta.

Placings at the end of day three:
Harken Women’s International Match Racing Regatta Finals Draw:
Grand Final: Spithill (AUS) vs Souter (AUS)
Petit Final: Scrivenor (AUS) vs Whitty (AUS)

Minor placings
5th - Samantha Osborne (NZL)
6th - Stephanie Hazard (NZL)
7th - Catherine Trew (AUS)
8th - Amy Lee (AUS)
9th - Juliana Senfft (BRA)
10th - Kim Stuart (USA)

Click here to view complete RR1 results.

Click here to view complete RR2 results.