After a clean 4am start from Queenscliff the 14 strong Melbourne to King Island Fleet are carving up Bass Strait in the 20 – 25 knot westerlies.  As predicted the fleet has a beam reach to the finish line making for ideal sailing conditions. 

Scarlet Runner skippered by Robert Date is on target for a Race record finish and for a win in the major handicap divisions.  The RP 52 is a well sailed and confident machine and they are doing the job  in today’s conditions.   King Island does have some tricky currents, depending on the tidal flows so without care the record could be won or lost in the last run to the line.

The performance handicap prize is being hotly contested by Ian Lewis’s Blue Chip and Laurie Ford’s Spirit of Downunder.

All crews will be enjoying the ideal conditions pushing their boats for top speeds.

Race Management is hoping to see Scarlet Runner on the finish line before 2pm.