Pryde storms to front

BATTLING heavy swells, rain and strong winds, Neil Pryde's Hi Fidelity took top honours in yesterday's first race of the China Coast Regatta off Port Shelter.

The cruiser beat David Kong's Hocux Pocux 2, with Peter Churchouse's Moonblue 2 coming third after the first leg of the three-race IRC Division A series. A total of 18 cruisers took part in the race.

Sailors had to battle 25-knot winds and heavy rain. The start of the race was delayed by about 15 minutes as contestants struggled in conditions. The remaining races are scheduled today, weather permitting.

In IRC Division B, Ian Wilkinson's Legende won the first race ahead of Raphael Blot's Getafix. In the HKPN Division, John Sanderson's Baringo won ahead of John Blay's Windseeker.