Contest hots up in Ocean Racing Series

With one round to go, winning orders can still change

THE penultimate round for season 10 of the a-Quellé Ocean Racing Series took place in great sea conditions at the weekend, with some fast times being produced. Ian Venter claimed a second 1km Ocean Swim win ahead of the current series leader, Wayne Jones, and runner-up Joshua Bellairs.

The 1km Ocean Swim, the most popular event on the morning with 154 entries, witnessed a sprint finish up the beach in the women’s race as Amy Mardon came within centimetres of beating the undefeated 1km women’s champion, Brigitte Muller, of Framesby High School. Antonella Saporta took third place.

These three also dominate the women’s overall standings in the category, which should not be affected by the results from round 10 on March 15.

Jones and Bellairs have secured the top two spots in the men’s standings and third place will be decided between PJ Duffy and Venter in the last round.

Over the longer 3km distance, it was a three-way tussle for line honours, with Daniel Jones winning his fourth race of the series from brother Jason, and Dylan Smith placing third. Rebecca Newman continued her impressive form to take her first win of the series – and possibly the overall title – by beating Denise Bosman and Liza Kingston.

While Daniel Jones has done enough to secure the overall 3km title, Jason and Bradley Reen will fight it out for the bronze and silver. Kirsten Marriott could still take the women’s title from Newman with a top-three finish in the last round. Kingston has secured third place.