Nicko/Boyd – 49er Fantastics – Nobody Can Stop Them

by Di Pearson on 15 Jan 2003 There are only two races left to sail in the 49er skiff class, but no competitor on the track has been able to stop former three-time World champion and Sydney 2000 representative, Chris Nicholson and his crew Gary Boyd (NSW) at the Sail Melbourne Regatta.

With a 2-2-1 result in today’s three races, the Belmont boys have streaked ahead to an unassailable lead from their counterparts.

Pietro and Gianfranco Sibello (ITA) have done their best this regatta, Gianfranco’s fractured arm still causing little discomfort when hoisting spinnakers. They finished their day with a 2-1-DNF to comfortably hold down 2nd place overall provisionally.

In gusty winds varying from 15-18 knots with quite a bit of chop on the water, the minor placings went to a variety of competitors, Mark Turnbull/Nick Partridge (Vic) having a better day with a win in Race 10, Denis Jones/Simon Sutherland (WA) having the time of their lives in the gusty winds with a 3-5-9 result.

The young Victorian’s Ben and Marcus Tardrew featured today also, with a 4th in Race12 to maintain a top position.

Gabriele Wicke/Wolf Jeschonnek (GER) had a good day too, 4-3 in Races 11 and 12.

Provisionally, Nicholson/Boyd lead with 13 points after two race drops, Sibello/Sibello are 2nd with 24.5, Turnbull/Partridge on 46 and Tardrew/Tardrew 56.