2010 Swire Shipping Paper Tiger Catamaran International Championships

9:57 AM Sat 3 Apr 2010 GMT

'Mark Bell - 2010 Swire Shipping Paper Tiger Catamaran International Championships' Nickolas Radovanovic Click Here to view large photo

Day two of the 2010 Swire Shipping Paper Tiger Catamaran International Championships, in Napier, was raced in light conditions, similar to day one. Three races were sailed today and consistency is paying off for the frontrunners. New Zealand has the team trophy virtually in its grasp but Ian Marcovitch's form in these conditions has him in a strong position in the individual standings.

Mark Bell is the only other sailor to take a win and is still a threat to Marcovitch with three races remaining. Bell led race three from start to finish. Ryan Leatham was second, managing to fend off Bob Preston's challenge as the two swapped places during the race. Invitee, John Thomson, seven-time NZ Champion, held fourth place and is currently sixth overall.

Race four saw Marcovitch lead round the top mark for the first time and extend that lead throughout to win very comfortably ahead of Bell and Preston. Wellington's Scott Barker, who was second round the first mark, hung on for fourth.

Race five had Bell and Marcovitch leading round the top mark and joined by Hayden Percy, who led the second time round, as the breeze picked up. However, he failed to cover Marcovitch on the final beat and was pipped on the line, with a fast charging Bell claiming third and Preston fourth.

Overall standings on www.napiersailingclub.org.nz/

by Nickolas Radovanovic