Volvo 60 out in front again

Sam Crichton reports on the Indec Consulting Melbourne to Hobart Race

Today's conditions of a 30 knot northeasterly breeze has helped the Volvo 60 on her way to the finish line in Hobart. Boat speeds of up to 21 knots has Indec Merit currently off Maatsuyker Island, located on the southern tip of Tasmania, with 90 miles to go after the 1500 sked (local time).

"We are looking forward to the finish and a quiet drink in Hobart this evening," commented Ian Treleavan from Indec Merit, as they were getting ready to hoist a spinnaker after reaching with a number two reaching headsail. 20 miles behind Indec Merit in second place is Prowler, Christian Jackson's Elliott 47 from Geelong.

Phil Coombs's Farr 39 No Fearr was off Port Davey on the western coast of Tasmania, with 20 knots from the NNW. No Fearr is in third place for line honours and is also currently leading the IRC handicap division from Phil Bedlington and Paul Wise's Borresen 12, Under Capricorn and John Geist's VDO Ruthless.

Tevake, Angus Fletcher's Adams 11.9 continues to lead the premier handicap AMS division with No Fearr and Under Capricorn in equal second and Addiction in third.

Amaya, David Bingham's Farr 11.6 is now leading the PHD handicap division with Babe, Karl Holmes's Dibley 990, the smallest boat in the fleet, in second and Tevake and Addiction in third.

Robin Hewitt's Yoko, the race veteran was placed mid-fleet at the 3pm sked and reported they had breeze from every western direction and ranging from five to 25 knots. Indec Merit is expected to be over the finish line after 10pm tonight with the rest of the fleet working their way around the southern tip of Tasmania this afternoon and tonight.