With a continuous strong south westerly wind climbing to force 6 and gusting up to 35 knots only the keelboat classes, the Flying Fifteens and new RS Elite, were allowed afloat in Series 1. A special course to keep the boats away from the choppy water on the Winner Sandbank, and provide an exhilarating broad reach across the harbour between 'Freddie Brooks and East Head' was set.

Eleven fifteens ventured out and it soon became a three boat race between Mark Wood and Andrew Streeter, 3764 (HISC) reigning world champion, Barry and Sue Parkin, 3630 (HISC) and current leader Gill Browning Simon Weatherill 3818, (HISC) with Wood and Streeter taking the gun, and now trailing Browning and Weatherill by only 0.25 points.

Six RS Elites made an ideal start along the line but after one lap the fleet were halved with an increased wind of 30 knots. Mike Dawe No 6, pulled out a healthy lead until disaster struck on the broad reach with his mast tumbling down, leaving Richard Cuties No 5, and Mike Tong No1, to successfully cross the finish line.

All Series 2 Classes had their racing postponed until tomorrow when, with lighter winds permitting, 2 races are now scheduled, with an early start.

On Series 3 after a lengthy postponement, Race Officer, David Humphrey only raced 12 Toppers, brave enough to compete over a special triangular course, with only 10 crossing the finish line. Alastair Hayles 44394 (Emsworth SC) beat Jamie Small 44528 (Langstone SC) leaving him 4th overall, but with Small and two others in close contention to win the Week, with 3 races scheduled for the last day. - Robert Macdonald Thursday, 19 August 2004.

Notice to Series 3 Competitors:
Race 4 postponed will be sailed at 1300hrs on Thursday 19 August, with Race 6 scheduled for 1330hrs, to follow on immediately afterwards.

Race 5 will be sailed at 1330hrs on Friday 20 August, with Race 8 scheduled for 1400hrs, to be sailed immediately afterwards.
Robert Macdonald - Wednesday, 18 August 2004. 14.45hrs.