Swinton into the lead

As round robins near their conclusion after day two of the Toyota Sopot Match Race in Poland

The Round Robin of the Toyota Sopot Match Race 2008 Grade 1 isn’t finished yet. But after 19 matches of 22, there is a leader in Australian Keith Swinton with 9 points from 11 matches thanks to great crew work and a good feeling for the Diamant 3000 which has given him the power to win matches.

Most of the day was spent sailing under sunny sky and in perfect wind conditions. The race course was alongside the Sopot Pier where hundred of spectators where are to follow the intense matches.

“It is third time that we are here and we really enjoy returning to this event," says Peter Wibroe, winner of last year’s event here. "Toyota Sopot Match Race has developed during last years and is now on a level comparable to the most prestigious events that we have sailed. The boats and the sailing conditions fits our way of sailing so we really hope that we can repeat the success from last year.

Torvar Mirsky added: “Today we had some close races - especially the first against Polish skipper Rafal Sawicki who surprised us when he won the pre-start. Luckily we managed to overtake him on the second upwind and extend our lead to win the first match. In our race against Adam Minoprio we were given two penalties after a 30 knot gust stopped us from tacking, resulting in a starboard collision."

New for this year are the onboard cameras similar to the ones used in the America's Cup, giving web spectators a full view of onboard action with the world class sailors. Races can also be followed with real-time GPS tracking Check out: www.yachting.com.pl

Current standings:

Keith Swinton (AUS), 9 - 11
Adam Minoprio (NZ), 8 - 11
Torvar Mirsky (AUS), 6 - 8
Andrew Arbuzov (RUS), 6 - 11
Peter Wibroe (DEN), 5 - 8
Przemek Tarnacki (POL), 5 - 11
Eric Monnin (SUI), 4 - 8
Ian Ainslie (RSA), 4 - 8
Eugeny Neugodnikov (RUS), 3,5 - 7
Staffan Lindberg (FIN), 3,5 - 7
Marek Stańczyk (POL), 1 - 11
Rafał Sawicki (POL), 1 - 11