From the bottom to the top in Auckland MRC

by Sail-World on 27 Jan 2006 Fifteen of 18 rounds have been completed in the Auckland Match Racing Cup and the game of ‘around the Mulberry Bush’ continues as the ten competitors chase one of four positions in the semi-finals tomorrow. Those that don’t make the cut get eliminated from the regatta.

The racing is being conducted in a 15-18kts sea breeze making for exciting and close racing, within easy view of the spectators.

The only real upset came in round 12 when the bottom placed Staffan Lindberg (FIN) beat the top of the table skipper , Dean Barker (Emirates Team NZ) at the start and remained in front all the way to score his only win thus far of the regatta.

With 15 rounds completed the points table is:

13 wins Dean Barker (Emirates Team NZ)
11 wins Bertrand Pace (BMW Oracle)
9 wins Cameron Appleton (NZL)
8 wins Chris Dickson (BMW Oracle) and Mathieu Richard (FRA)
7 wins Ian Williams (GBR); Ed Baird (Alinghi)
6 wins Sebastian Col (K-Challenge)
5 wins Magnus Holmberg (Sweden/Victory Challenge)
1 win Staffan Lindberg (FIN)

There are three races left to sail in the Qualification Round which is hoped to be complete by close of play on Friday.