Suzuki Marine Fiji Hobie Challenge enters final stages

11:43 PM Wed 1 Jul 2009 GMT

'Ready for day 3 - 2009 Suzuki Marine Fiji Challenge' Anthony Duchatel

Aussie Aaron Worral and Badley Wilson maintain a handy lead as the Suzuki Marine Fiji Hobie Challenge enters final stages. Nicole Corlette sailing with dad Kerli jumps into second.

Conscious of the 11 hour day many people had on the second leg a short 17nm course around Cagala, Leleuvia and Nasautabu Island Reefs was set for day 3.

In winds of up to 15 knots and a predominatly reaching course Worral and Wilson lead Engwirda and Slater home with David Lovell and Nick King third.

The daughter and father partnership of Nicole and Kerli Corlette finished 5th and with that were elevated to second place overall just 26 seconds ahead of New Zealanders Matt Shepherd and Altaire Mandell.

The leading Fijian crew are Kaveni and Mika who are only 52 seconds behind fourth placed Bob Engwirda and Slater.

With a 40 minute lead, after three leg wins, Worral and Wilson are looking very comfortable but with only 12 minutes and 3 seconds separating second from sixth place and a lot of sailing to come the second place overall is wide open.

by Anthony Duchatel