Audi Winter Series - R14 promises exciting finish

'You're Hired- leading Division A with 20 points going into Race 14' Andrea Francolini &copy Photo Click Here to view large photo

It will be down to the wire in the last race of the Audi Winter Series to determine the pointscore results. After 13 races just a few points separate the top boats in most divisions, promising an exciting finish on Sunday July 13.

In Division A You're Hired is on 20 points and Vanguard on 21. In Division B Revolution Edake on 26 is just 1 point ahead of Stomp, with Playstation 3 on 30.

Occasional Course Language has probably secured Division C - Crosbie Lorimer

Baring unforeseen disasters Occasional Course Language has probably secured Division C with 31 points, but just 3 points -36 to 39 -separate Rum Jungle, Marloo, Cadenza and Assassin for the next 2 places.

Crusher joint Division D leader with Equinox, despite being dismasted in Race 10 - Brooke Paton Click Here to view large photo

In Division D Crusher was well ahead of the pack until she lost her mast after race 9 - owner Chris Williams has been working hard to get a new rig in place, and will be back for the last race to go head to head with friend Anthony Dunn's Equinox for first place honours - both are on 36 points, with Spearhead just 3 points behind.

In the Sports boat Division E, the Flying Tigers- Balmain Tiger, Ophir and Shere Khan seem to have the first 3 places sewn up, a great result for these exciting new boats in their first season. In Division F Perfect Match, Sports Bar and Big Blue hold the first 3 places, but Salona, Windflyt, Sine Wave, Scarlett O'Hara and Superfine are all within 4 points of 3rd place.

In Division G, 4 points separate the first 4 boats - Wild Blue Yonder, Out of Sight, Gondwana and If Not Why Not, and in Division H Shemozzle is out in front on 22 points, but only 4 points separate the next 4 boats - Umbakumba, Sans Terre, Clewless? and Katinka.

In Division J the season-long battle between Panacea and Vivacite has them both tied for first place going in to the last race with 35 points each; Alpha Carinae has won the last 2 races to put them in 3rd place on 43, with The Red Hand on 44, Elusive on 46 and Inkonkoni on 47.

Nicholas Hogg's Spirit of Freya has won 4 races to put them on top of Division K with 19 points, but Viking, MRX and Stormy Petrel are 2 points apart for the remaining podium positions.

The Goat - Sydney 38 Division, is leading on 34 points - Andrea Francolini&copy Photo

And finally, in the hotly contested Sydney 38 Division The Goat is leading on 34 points, Icom Utopia and Outlaw on 36 with the early season leader Ichi Bandit now on 38.

Race 14 on Sunday 13 July is therefore the decider in most cases, so here's hoping for a huge fleet and good breezes for a memorable finish to a great series - then all back for a more relaxing closing Ladies day Race on the 20th.

by Jennifer Crooks