French lead Swan Europeans

followed by two of our Olympic medallists

Two French entrants tonight dominate the overall leader board in the Swan European Regatta. From the small boat fleet Xaossa, a Swan 42 and Saga, a Swan 441 hold first and second places respectively across the divisions on the penultimate day.

Leading the chasing pack are two British Olympic Medallists. Shirley Robertson sailing Jacobite currently heads the big boat division and lies fourth overall. 1984 Bronze Medallist Jo Richards, tactician aboard Menenes lies third overall, three points behind the leader.

Although the wind gods denied the 61 strong Swan fleet the opportunity to launch the first of a historic series of 'Round the Island' races this summer, when the sea breeze did fill in at 2pm the Swan fleet again found perfect sailing conditions. The southwesterly wind steadily built from 8 to 20 knots throughout the afternoon on the windward- leeward course down the Solent.

The fleet started at Air Canada then headed west towards the first mark of the course, Hampstead Ledge. Class F leader Jacobite and the 60-foot Swan Crackerjack were two of only four boats to head into the Island shore on the first beat.

The rest of the fleet chose the north shore, with Spirit of Jethou leading Island Fling. A fierce tacking dual between the two Swan 60s ensued with Island Fling eventually overhauling her opponent. In an attempt to regain the advantage, Spirit of Jethou cut inside at Lepe Spit, running aground and taking two minutes to get free. Island Fling had a 3 minute 14 second over Spirit of Jethou on rounding the first windward mark.

Desparado, the 65-foot ketch, was another to misjudge the depth in the Solent, hitting the Brambles Bank. Unlike Spirit of Jethou, they were unable to sail off and had to retire after using their motor to get free. Disappointed crewmember Dobbs Davis explained; " Murka (Swan 48) had asked for water, we took the decision to duck them and carried on for another four boat lengths. Just as the tack was called we hit the bottom and were unable to get free without assistance. It's a shame as today would have been a Desparado day!"

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