The fourth day of racing of the Garmin Hamble Winter Series 2009 took place on Sunday 25th October.  The 16 boat fleet saw 17-25 knots from the south west and the sun was quite warm whilst you were in it, giving perfect conditions for a longer course to be set. 

At the start J-Dream (David & Kirsty Apthorp) saw off the challenge of Shiva (Matthew Boyle) but was held out left waiting for Jumping Jellyfish (David Richards) and Just So (David & Mary McGough) to tack right, to stay on the plateau and in less tide.  East Bramble was the first windward mark and then the fleet had an excellent run back to Hamble Yacht Services before a shorter 2 lap windward/leeward course between Air Canada and Hamble Yacht Services.  At the first windward mark, J-Dream led from Shiva, a position which she extended for the remainder of the race, winning by nearly 4 minutes. 

Munkenbeck (Alfred Munkenbeck) overtook Offbeat (David McLeman) and Beth (Guy Knight) on the first downwind leg only to overstand the mark and have to drop their spinnaker and white sail back.  Not to be defeated, the second run saw Munkenbeck learn from her mistake and overtake Aria (Luca Rubinelli) to move into fourth place behind Outrajeous (Richard & Valerie Griffith).  The beat saw Munkenbeck challenge Outrajeous for third place, before their spinnaker blew out on the final downwind leg and Aria regained fourth by 25 seconds.  Offbeat, Beth and Just So had swapped places throughout the 2½ hour race, until the three boats were only separated by 12 seconds at the finish with Offbeat claiming 6th. 

Newcomers to the fleet in 2009, Me Julie (Dominic Monkhouse) and Go Easy (Ed Winter/Steven Armitage) continued their battle with Me Julie pipping Go Easy this week by only 8 seconds.

At the halfway stage J-Dream has 4 points, Aria 12 points and Outrajeous 17 points, whilst 5th-8th places are only separated by 4 points.

This weekend the fleet will enjoy a break before returning for the final four races.

Results:

1st J-Dream (David & Kirsty Apthorp) 

2nd Shiva (Matthew Boyle)

3rd Outrajeous (Richard & Valerie Griffith)