Once again, Bing Lee and Smeg led the fleet to the first windward mark but an unexpected capsize by the Smeg crew left Bing Lee to try and fend off the challenge by the Winning Group skiff.
The experience of John Winning Jr., Sam Newton and Seve Jarvin was clearly on display and the Winning Group was soon in front, then led the fleet over the next two laps of the course.
With victory in sight the Winning Group’s crew prepared for the final gybe only to capsize and leave Micah Lane, Peter Harris and Scott Babbage to take the honours in Bing Lee.
Ever consistent, The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone (Jordan Girdis, Tom Quigley, Lachlan Doyle) were rewarded for their efforts when the young team finished second, 4m5s behind Bing Lee.
Winning Group recovered from their capsize to come home in third place, 35s behind The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone.
Asko Appliances (James Dorron) was fourth, followed by Dal Zotto (Jack Sprague) and Smeg.
Despite the mishap in Race 4, Winning Group leads the points on 8, followed by Bing Lee on 11, The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone on 12 Smeg 13, The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines 18 and Appliancesonline.com.au on 21.
Race 5 of the championship will be sailed next Sunday.
NOTE:
The Australian 18ft Skiff Championship will continue on the following dates;
Sundays February 3, February 10, February 17.
For those who can’t make it onto the water:
Live streaming is available on 18FootersTV
https://18Footers.com/18-footers-sailing/18-footers-tv/
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The JJ Giltinan Championship will be sailed on Sydney Harbour from March 2-10.