Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024 Day 2

Champagne sailing conditions greeted the racers for the second day of the Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024.  On reaching the racetrack south east of Lamma Island this morning, they found 18-20 kts of easterly breeze under a beautiful blue sky.

For the IRC Racer fleet, the day started with three windward/leeward courses that proved a thorough test of both tactics and boat handling. Tight mark roundings, close finishes and exact ties, were the order of the day. 

Seven entries from the PHS division and four from the IRC Premier division joined in today's racing. The PHS division sailed one windward/leeward and a 10nm Island course sailing around Beaufort Island, while IRC Premier managed to finish two Island courses.

It was a magnificent sight to see three TP52 racing closely today; Noel Chan’s Rampage 88 maintained their lead in IRC Racer 0, taking two bullets and Nie Hua’s Happy Go took the win in the last race to move to the second overall spot, only 2 points behind. 

In the IRC Cape 31 division, Denis Ma’s Rampage38 and David Kong’s Out of Africa were racing neck to neck today, and whilst both tied on with 1.5 points for the last race of the day, it's Rapage38 sitting on top overall.

Over in IRC Racer 2, Nick Burn’s Witchcraft scored three bullets today and is holding strong to first on the score board, with James Verner’s Nightshift jumping up to second place after a steady performance.

Nick Southward’s Admiralty Harbour Whiskey Jack took three wins today, climbing to 1st overall in IRC Racer 3 division, followed by Andrew Pidden’s Juice in second place.

For the PHS division, Thomas Wong’s DBX2 had a great day taking home two wins whilst Bradly Wilkins’ Blowers Daughter came in second behind them both times. 

Fenice helmed by Philippe Grelon is currently leading with count back in the IRC Premier division with Peter Churchouse's Moonblue 2 in second place.

A legendary Mount Gay party was held on the Middle Island hardstanding tonight.  The final day of the regatta starts tomorrow at 1030hrs. All divisions are scheduled to sail two more races.