Randy Smyth takes Tommy Hilfiger to double win

by Volvo / GN on 8 Nov 2005 Tommy Hilfiger, helmed by Randy Smyth won both races today, the second day of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix series in Sanxenxo, Spain. Skipper Randy Smyth and his crew were in great form in the light airs and were the boat to beat today.

A light breeze, calm waters and a cloudy sky was the setting for the second day of this special event, that is part of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006. At the start of the first race today everyone, except Holmatro, skippered by Mitch Booth, chose to sail away on port.

Tommy Hilfiger had better boat speed and sailed away from the fleet. Volvo Ocean Race, the team of Carolijn Brouwer, who won all three races yesterday finished second. At the finish it was hard to see who ended third or fourth, Holmatro or Conrad Humphrey´s Motorola. Eventually the jury decided that Holmatro, was third with only one second to spare.

Basilica, which did not race yesterday folowing a collision during the first start, was repaired overnight and made the start but could do no better than fifth.

The first lap of the second race today could have been written by Alfred Hitchcock himself - tension from the first till last moment with extremely close racing. At the first mark, with all five 40-footers tacking right after each other, Basilica, was the only boat which jibed and choose the portside of the race course, the rest continued on starboard.

Basilica and Tommy Hilfiger were neck on neck at the second mark, Basilica hit the buoy and Hilfiger took it´s chance to escape. Nobody could catch Hilfiger and by the finish Randy Smyth and his crew had extended their lead from the rest of the fleet.

Holmatro, with skipper Mitch Booth, finished second. The last three catamarans did not manage to reach the finish inside the time limit.

Racing continues Tuesday with three more races and continues until Thursday. Racing starts at 14.30 hours.

Overall positions after 5 races:
1 Volvo Ocean Race - 1, 1, 1, 2, DNF - 41pts
2 Holmatro - 2, 3, 3, 3, 2 - 34 pts
3 Tommy Hilfiger - OCS, 4, 4, 1, 1 - 30 pts
4 Motorola - 3, 2, 2, 2, 4, DNF - 30 pts
5 Basilica - RD, RD, RD, 5, DNF - 17.5 pts

Event website: http://www.volvoextreme40.org