Australian Championship, Race 4
 (Lord Mayor's Cup)
Monday, 26 January 2009Â
Sydney Harbour
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A 10-15knot South-East wind, which freshened later in the race prevailed for Race 4 of the Australian 18ft Skiff Championship which was sailed on Sydney Harbour today.Â
Three former Giltinan champions teamed together in Southern Cross Constructions to score an impressive 1m25s win and take the points lead in the championship.Â
Skipper Euan Mc Nicol and his team of Trent Barnabas and Aaron Links have a gross total of 8 points to lead by six points from Seve Jarvin's Gotta Love It 7 on 14 points.
 With each skiff allowed to discard their worst performance in the regatta, the pair become level on 5 points - although Southern Cross has two race wins to Gotta Love It 7's one.Â
Despite being forced to retire with gear failure today, Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) is third with a net score of 10 points.
 Second in today's race was Smeg, skippered by Hugh Stodart, with Micah Lane's Macquarie Real Estate in third place.Â
Sunday's last race of the championship will be a head-to-head battle between Southern Cross and 7 with first over the line almost certain to become the champion.
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Frank Quealey
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Australian 18 Footers League
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