Natasha Sturgis Snatches Lead In Mistral Womens at Sail Melbourne

by Di Pearson on 14 Jan 2003 World-ranked No. 1, Natasha Sturges (GBR), today stole the lead from Barbara Kendall (NZL) in the Mistral Womens series sailed on Port Phillip Bay.

Sturges finished 2-1 in Races 5 and 6 today, with Allison Shreeve (NSW) sailing her best regatta yet with a 1-2 result to stay near the front of the leader board.

Current World champion, Barbara Kendall had a 3-5 result, while Jessica Crisp (NSW) went 4-3 to maintain a top three position.

Sailing in the freshening 20 knots plus of wind on one- metre waves, the boards flew around the Olympic Trapezoid courses in no time.

Like the Mens Mistral, the current top four girls are having the battle of their lives as the lead places change as the days go by.

Progressive placings have Sturges 1st with 10 points from Kendall with 13, Crisp a close 14 and Shreeve 15.

Two further races will be sailed tomorrow starting from 3.00pm.

For full results and information go to the official website at: www.sailmelbourne.com.au

Further information: Di Pearson – Media Manager – Phone: 0417 567 198