Desperado and Saga are winners...

in day two of the Swan Europeans

After a frustrating wait for the wind, both of the Swan classes enjoyed a perfect afternoon race on Deutsche Bank Private Banking Race Day. Racing finally got underway at 2.30 as the sea breeze filled in.

Crackerjack was first over the start line but was soon overhauled by the fastest boat in the fleet, Island Fling. As with yesterday, the Swan 60 registered in Hong Kong was first around every race mark to take line honours. However it was Desperado which took the racing on handicap.

In the small boat fleet, the French dominated for the second day in succession. As with yesterday, Menenes took line honours but Saga, a Swan 441, won on corrected time to take the Deutsche Bank Private Banking trophy. Yesterday's winner took second place, to lead overall at the Swan European Regatta.

Jo Richards, tactician on board Menenes, which finished fourth overall commented: "It was a frustrating day. Although we got a good start, we didn't seem that quick upwind. Saga sailed through us on the first beat. We got them back on the run but it wasn't enough on corrected time."

The closest battle of the day was between two equally matched Swan 60s, Spirit of Jethou and Crackerjack. Crackerjack rounded the first windward mark two boat lengths behind but chose to gybe set and head for the mainland shore to escape the adverse tide. At the leeward mark, Crackerjack was half a boat length ahead only to lose the advantage once again on the beat. On the final run of the day, Crackerjack sailed close to the Island shore, in slightly less tide and managed to sail around Spirit of Jethou to cross the line six seconds ahead.

It was a day for the ketch rigs as Desperado and Eva, both Swan 65s, took first and second place respectively. Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson, steered reigning Swan European Champion Jacobite into third place.

Two races are scheduled again for tomorrow.

See page 2 for results: