Euan McNicol sailing Club Marine became the fourth winner from as many races in Heat 4 of the Ssangyong International Championship on Sydney Harbour today.

Rookie skipper McNicol, Seve Jarvin and Tim Austin sailed a good race in the light easterly wind recording a 1min 46secs victory. Daniel Phillips’ Omega Smeg finished second 8secs ahead of Team Pegasus, skippered by two times Giltinan winner Howie Hamlin of the US.

McNicol was a crewmember with John Winning’s successful 2000 Giltinan Champion, AMP Centrepoint, but is having his first season as skipper in the 18s.

The Club Marine team led at every mark throughout the race. After the first windward leg they held a 30secs lead over Team Pegasus and defending champion Rob Greenhalgh in RMW Marien. When the fleet reached the same buoy on the second circuit of the course this lead had been extended to 1min 40secs over RMW.

From that point Club Marine was never in danger of defeat, however, the race for minor placings was intense.

Following today’s race Rag & Famish (John Harris) leads the pointscore with 14.0 points, followed by Asko Appliances (Hugh Stodart) and RMW on 19.0 and Club Marine on 22.0.

Allowing for discards, Rag & Famish has 8.0 points, Club Marine and Asko 9.0, RMW 11.0 and Computer Associates (Anthony Young) on 13.0.