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The course out of Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, USA, was set further out in the Bay for day two. Light early morning breezes building to double digits out of the south combined with a strong ebbing current to make the course and tactics key factors for the racers. Heavy swells made the course very lumpy for spectators and competitors alike, and with two more days of competition to go, the weather is expected to continue to offer excellent conditions with more winds out of the south to southwest and possibly building with a chance of thundershowers for the finals on Saturday.

After another seven flights of the double round robin, the top Ranked skippers continue to dominate the leaderboard. BARKOW, the 2004 and 2005 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Champion, won her top of the table clash with Liz BAYLIS (USA) to win the opening round robin and was still unbeaten five races into round robin two.

LEROY On Form

BAYLIS is tied in second place on a 11-3 record with world #1 Claire LEROY (FRA). After being on the receiving end of a thorough thrashing by BARKOW in the final flight of round robin one, LEROY bounced back to win five in a row and draw level with BAYLIS.

With four flights of the double round robin remaining, BARKOW and her team have guaranteed their passage to the semi-finals, whilst BAYLIS and LEROY look almost certain of joining her. The battle for fourth is much closer, with Christelle PHILIPPE (FRA) currently leading the way on a 8-6 record. Defending champion Katie SPITHILL (AUS) had a stuttering start to the second round robin and lies at 7-7 along with compatriot Nicky SOUTER (AUS), whilst Katy-Pyle LOVELL (USA) is not out of the running on a 6-8 record.

The world-class match racing continues in Annapolis through to the finals on 2 June. New this year, spectators will be able to tune their VHF radios to channel 78 for live commentary on the races as they happen.

For a complete list of all the news about the BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup CLICK HERE.