Racing Group C delivered another measured, tactical contest on Day 2, with Race 3 reinforcing just how finely poised this division is. Sailed over the same course length as Race 2, the race provided an excellent comparison. The outcomes were familiar at the front, but the gaps told a different story.
Nautilass sets the pace
Paul King’s Nautilass again set the pace on the water. The Beneteau First 36 crossed the line in 44 minutes 52 seconds, just marginally slower than her previous race. In the heavy rain conditions, the crew delivered a controlled, efficient performance, and once more enough for line honours. But as with Race 2, it was not decisive enough to shut the door behind her.
From second place back, the fleet packed tightly. The Racoon and Ilex finished 22 seconds apart, with Fifth Dimension, Young Magic and Cotton Bud all arriving in a steady stream. Positions two through seven were covered by barely two and a half minutes. Compared with Race 2, the fleet showed far less stretch through the middle, suggesting more even pressure and fewer opportunities to break free once boats settled into rhythm.
| Result | Boat Name | Skipper | Elapsed Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nautilass | Paul King | 00:44:52 | 1 |
| 2 | The Racoon | Paul Smith | 00:47:17 | 2 |
| 3 | Ilex | Sefton Powrie | 00:47:39 | 3 |
| 4 | Fifth Dimension | Ian Moore | 00:48:52 | 4 |
| 5 | Young Magic | Giovanni Belgrano | 00:49:04 | 5 |
| 6 | Cotton Bud | Doug France | 00:49:28 | 6 |
| 7 | Heartlight | Roger Sims / Rhys Cole | 00:49:40 | 7 |
| 8 | Opportunity | Dave Campbell | 00:50:18 | 8 |
| 9 | The Bondi Tram | Spencer Poborsa Cox | 00:51:06 | 9 |
| 10 | Farr South | Ian Templeman | 00:53:44 | 10 |
That compression became even more apparent once corrected time came into play.
EHC again goes to Opportunity
Under EHC, the race once again belonged to Opportunity. Dave Campbell’s Beneteau Oceanis 40.5 finished eighth on elapsed time, yet climbed cleanly to the top of the corrected leaderboard. This was no repeat of a seconds in it result. Opportunity won by nearly two minutes, a larger margin than in the previous race.
Behind her, however, the story was all about fine margins. Nautilass, The Racoon, Ilex and Cotton Bud were separated by less than half a minute on corrected time. Small gains on individual legs translated directly into places. There were no passengers in this race.
Several boats showed subtle but important shifts. Ilex, which slipped back on EHC in Race 2, recovered strongly to finish fourth. Fifth Dimension, closer to the leaders on the water, lost ground once the numbers were applied. These were not dramatic swings, but in a fleet this close, it’s something skippers will be watching for.
| Result | Boat Name | Skipper | Corrected Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opportunity | Dave Campbell | 00:33:06 | 1 |
| 2 | Nautilass | Paul King | 00:35:00 | 2 |
| 3 | The Racoon | Paul Smith | 00:35:16 | 3 |
| 4 | Ilex | Sefton Powrie | 00:35:19 | 4 |
| 5 | Cotton Bud | Doug France | 00:35:34 | 5 |
| 6 | Heartlight | Roger Sims / Rhys Cole | 00:35:37 | 6 |
| 7 | Fifth Dimension | Ian Moore | 00:35:46 | 7 |
| 8 | Young Magic | Giovanni Belgrano | 00:35:52 | 8 |
| 9 | The Bondi Tram | Spencer Poborsa Cox | 00:36:08 | 9 |
| 10 | Farr South | Ian Templeman | 00:36:26 | 10 |
Again PHRF for Young Magic
PHRF once again offered a different perspective. Young Magic returned to the top of the corrected order, reinforcing her position as the reference boat under that system. The difference this time was the spread. Where Race 2 opened clear gaps, Race 3 kept the top three within a little over 30 seconds between them.
| Result | Boat Name | Skipper | Corrected Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Young Magic | Giovanni Belgrano | 00:35:55 | 1 |
| 2 | Ilex | Sefton Powrie | 00:36:10 | 2 |
| 3 | Nautilass | Paul King | 00:36:34 | 3 |
| 4 | The Bondi Tram | Spencer Poborsa Cox | 00:37:15 | 4 |
| 5 | Fifth Dimension | Ian Moore | 00:37:49 | 5 |
Across two races of equal length, the patterns are now clear. Nautilass remains the benchmark for raw speed. Opportunity continues to be the most dangerous boat on handicap. Young Magic keeps her nose in front under PHRF. Yet no one is pulling away.
Racing Group C is not being decided by moments of brilliance. It is being shaped by consistency, clean sailing, and attention to detail. With Thursday and Friday’s racing to come, nothing is settled. If Race 3 proved anything, it is that this group remains very much alive.
2026 BOISW Racing C: Opportunity didn’t just come knocking in Race 2
