Greenhalgh to the fore

As 'Benny' wins race two on a light opening day of the 18ft skiffs' Mark Foy Trophy in Carnac

With three Australians on the podium of the first race (respectively Grant Rollerson on Slam, John Winning Junior on Appliances Online and Jonathan Whitty on Panasonic), sailed in a very light wind, it seemed like an Australian domination was all set for this week of international confrontation at the 18ft skiffs' Mark Foy Trophy given the light air forecast. But a Briton and an American have since imposed themselves in the provisional ranking.

With many of the top names in the class represented, the start line for race one was very tight and this remained the case at the first weather mark rounding. Grant Rollerson was first to the mark with in his fellow-countrymen, Winning Junior and Jonathan Whitty. But then the British Investecteam , skippered by Mason Woodworth, managed to get in between the two young crews. Light and inspired, the Aussies managed to stay in contention while Woodworth and his heavier team progressively lost ground, leaving it to the formidable Rob Greenhalgh, on Benny, steady rose up the fleet to finish fourth, just in front of Howie Hamlin, despite a slow start.

For the second race, there was a very tight start again with Grant Rollerson being called OCS. The British crew on the Aussie boat Asko, led by Dan Wilson, made the best of the first beat to round the top mark ahead of Howie Hamlin and Andy Richard's Pindar, the prsent European champions. Richards has however progressively lost ground as Rob Greenhalgh finally took the lead with the wind was increasing. Greenhalgh's lead increased over his pursuers - Howie Hamlin and Dan Wilson on Asko. Eventually Greenhalgh and his new 18 Benny won the race easily.

At present Greenhalgh is looking the class act, but there’s still a long way to go, and the races being competed in light winds, have penalised heavy crews.