Things look better than ever for Mark and Paul (7673) as they are off to easily the best start as the winds have suddenly decreased during the final seconds of the countdown into the 5- to 8-knot range with an attendant 20° back that left the pin end very favoured. This has left Al (3854), Heider (600) and Kit (1037) and ...

Al (3854) had to tack to clear his air and managed to cross the three boats at right above. He and Marc then found that they were indeed the only ones sailing towards any visible wind. The boats that had started at the pin end soon tacked as well. They looked to be well ahead, but a closer look showed them to have virtually no wind. Meanwhile, Marc and Al, followed by Heider and Tom (600) went west into progressively stronger breeze. By the time, they felt safely into the good breeze and tacked for the mark, Al and Heider were well ahead and would not be caught.