FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

French holding five point lead over Australians, with American team moving into third

December 1, 2006 (Miami Beach, FL)   In a day of changing conditions, American boats Groovederci and Sixx excelled, both posted single digit finishes in all three races to creep up the leaderboard.   Deneen Demourkas’ Groovederci led the fleet around the course in the first race and Tom Lihan’s Sixx took the next two bullets to get winner of the day with six points.   Early regatta leaders Mammy! were back in the hunt today as well, working their way into the top ten for the first two races.

It was a difficult day to be consistent.  Big leftover seas and wind in the 16-18 knot range greeted competitors in the morning, fading to 8-10 knots in the afternoon.   When the wind died and seas flattened out for the last race of the day, seven boats were called OCS, including the top two boats.   As a testament to their skill they fought their way back through the fleet for top third finishes.  Wind direction was fairly steady from the southwest with course axis of 145 for all three races.   Crews had a roller coaster ride upwind with big waves and still some good surfing early in the day.

With only eight points separating the top four boats and much lighter winds predicted tomorrow, the leaders are intent are on capturing the Royal Canadian Yacht Club silver bowl.  It will be a real battle and the title is far from decided.

See www.mumm30.org for full results.    Mark roundings and individual race results are being updated from the water daily.    Contact Renee Mehl 410 703 9560 for further information.

Thanks to sponsors Champagne Mumm, North Sails, Lewmar, APS, Slam, partners Avalon/Majestic Hotels, Monty’s Raw Bar, S & S Mobile Marina and Miami Beach Marina and suppliers Coral Reef Sailing Apparel.

Preliminary Results (protests pending)

Twins    Erik Maris                                 5, 2, 3, 7, 9, 1, 2, 9, 11   49 pts

Foreign Affair  Richard Perini                   4, 12, 9, 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 7  54 pts

Groovederci  Deneen Demourkas             7, 8, 2, 5, 16, 8, 1, 5, 3    55 pts

Sixx  Tom Lihan                                     2, 4, 6, 24, 1, 15, 4, 1, 1  57 pts

Mean Machine Peter de Ridder               1, 3, 10, 11, 6, 10, 8, 12, 2  63 pts