18ft Skiffs JJ Giltinan World Championship - Race 3

8:59 PM Tue 17 Feb 2009 GMT

'Gotta Love It 7 II - 2009 JJ Giltinan 18 footers World Championships' Allan Barron Click Here to view large photo

Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout had to use all their skills to master a shifty South East wind in bringing Gotta Love It 7 home the winner of Race 3 of the Giltinan International Championship, the 2009 18 footer World Championship.

The win has moved Gotta Love It 7 into equal second place with Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) on 10 points, behind Race 2 winner Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) on 8.

Gotta Love It 7's margin today was 27s from Rag & Famish, with British team Project Racing (Andy Budgen, Matt Mc Govern and James Barker).

Once again, an overcast sky and light wind greeted the fleet on Sydney Harbour.

Ferry up close and personal - 2009 JJ Giltinan 18 footers World Championships - Allan Barron Click Here to view large photo

There was an immediate drama when a Manly Ferry appeared just after the start and the starter was forced to recall the fleet.

After the restart the fleet split into two groups as it has done so often in the regatta.

This time, the teams which elected to go to the right hand side of the course won out as Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) led from Gotta Love It 7 and Active Air-2UE at the windward mark.

Thurlow Fisher Lawyers - 2009 JJ Giltinan 18 footer World Championships - Allan Barron Click Here to view large photo

Project Racing was next, followed by Quantum Sails NZ (Chris Skinner) and Me (Ian Henderson).

At the bottom mark near Robertson Point, Gotta Love It 7 led narrowly from Project Racing with Thurlow Fisher third and Me fourth.

Project 1 Racing Team - 2009 JJ Giltinan 18 footers World Championships - Allan Barron

From that point the race became a merry-go-round for the leading group as the positions were changing constantly in the difficult conditions.

Thurlow Fisher grabbed the lead at Clarke Island, then Rag & Famish took over at Chowder Head.

Gotta Love It 7 then took a four second lead from Rag & Famish Hotel at the Taylors Bay mark, and despite serious challenges, was able to retain the lead to the finish.

At the final windward mark 7's lead was just a couple of boat lengths from Project Racing with Rag & Famish Hotel and Active Air-2UE close behind.

The four teams sailed tack for tack up the final beat but Gotta Love It 7 was in control and thoroughly deserved her victory.