Etchells Worlds fleet waiting to start final race in 2004 titles

by Rob Kothe on 7 Aug 2004 A light easterly at five knots is blowing off Point Cartwright, where 84 boats are waiting for the start of Race 8, the final race in the 2004 World Championships.

PRO Arthur Hodge is expecting the wind to go left and settle into a stable sea breeze. The start is expected within 30 minutes. After yesterday’s protests, we can be sure the start if there is to be one, will come before 13:22.

While there are 84 boats at sea, only two boats crew can win the 2004 World Championship – Tom Pepper XVIII skippered by Peter McNeill from Lake Macquarie and Pacesetter skippered by Cameron Miles from Pittwater.

McNeill has 47 points after a discard, Miles 49 points. McNeil will win on a count back if scores are tied because he has a second, while Miles best is a third.

So the Pacesetter crew ahead of the Pepper’s with three boats between them.

In third place overall with 67 points is the evergreen legend Dennis Conner, sailing Menace. Odyssey (Julian Plante) and Satu (Glen Collings) both have 72 points.