Tiny lead for Computer Associates

After 18ft skiffs complete their Mick Scully Trophy in Sydney Harbour

A spectacular capsize by Asko Appliances just 100 metres from the finish line allowed Computer Associates through for a 50secs win in the first heat of the Club Championship on Sydney Harbour today.

Computer Associates had trailed Asko as the pair raced to the finishing line under spinnaker but Asko's demise allowed the CA team of Anthony Young, Matt Pearce and Phil Harmer to score their first win in the new skiff.

Third placing and Mick Scully Trophy (handicap) went to Club Marine, skippered by Euan Mc Nicol, which finished just 1sec behind Asko. It was also a good morale boost for the Asko team of Hugh Stodart, Niall Kinch and Paul Schulz who sailed a faultless race until their sudden end.

Asko led from the start and went around the windward mark 15secs ahead of Casio Seapathfinder on Michael Coxon, followed by Computer Associates and Omega Smeg of Daniel Phillips.

The fleet raced at high speed downwind in the 20 knot northeasterly wind with the three leaders maintaining their positions.

This continued on the second upwind leg - although the first three skiffs had opened up a break over Club Marine and John Harris' Rag & Famish Hotel.

Harbour traffic played a part in the race on the next spinnaker run when a Manly Ferry and Casio came close together. Casio was trapped in the ferry's wake and the result was a capsize, broken tiller extension and a disappointing ninth place for Michael Coxon's team.

Results:

Pos	Boat	Elapsed Time	Handicap Place	Season Points
1	Computer Associates	01:14:40	4th	38
2	Asko Appliances	01:15:30	6th	39
3	Club Marine	01:15:31	1st	11.75 (1st)
4	Rag & Famish Hotel		7th	20.75 (3rd)
5	SX Projects		3rd	38.75
6	CST Composites		9th	83*
7	Team Morrison		2nd	20 (2nd)
8	Churchil's Sports Bar		5th	28.75
9	Casio Seapathfinder		11th	43
10	Omega Smeg		12th	85*
11	Belle Property		10th	51
12	Team Pomfret		8th	35
13	Panasonic		13th	42
14	Yandoo	Non-finish		59
15	Aristocrat	Non-finish		79
16	Fisher & Paykel	Non-finish		115*
17	Maytag	Non-starter		120*
18	AAPT	Non-starter		120*
19	Rosemount	Non-starter		71
20	Adtec	Non-starter		120
	* points still to be adjusted