Wizard conjures another race win
HONG KONG'S Sealand Wizard maintained her earlier excellent form by winning the third race of the Kenwood Cup off Hawaii to take Steve Ellis' yacht into third position overall.
Yesterday's racing finished with the territory's four-yacht challenge in fourth place overall, behind two American and a New Zealand team.
But the second day of the ninth biennial Kenwood Cup International Offshore racing series ended in controversy after complaints were filed by several crews - concerning penalties awarded against them - after an incident at the start of the race.
Five boats, led by the French yacht No Problem, jumped the starter's flag. Hong Kong's Sealand X-Rated and three other yachts sailed on, despite an immediate recall signal.
Gellusseau has been provisionally declared the winner of the fourth race, after leading throughout in race conditions which continued to favour the highly competitive Mumm 36 Class. However, protests are likely to change the overall results.
Sealand Wizard saved 32 seconds, by virtue of her low handicap, to secure her second successive victory behind Hawaiian Doug Taylor's Cookson-built 36 Zamboni, despite suffering an hour-glass spinnaker wrap as she attempted a final gybe when approaching the finish.
Hong Kong's Sealand Hi-Flyer, tipped as favourite to lead the territory's four yacht challenge, has endured a disappointing two days, fighting to gain ground in conditions which have favoured the smaller boats. The yacht, skippered by Neil Pryde, finished the third race in 17th position. Hong Kong's Sealand X-Rated and Sealand J-Hawk finished in 22nd and 23rd places.
