Spectators along Southsea seafront saw the true power of the 40ft extreme catamarans, which form part of the in-port entertainment package for the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06, and witnessed the carnage of the final race of the day.

In 15-25 knots the final race saw two of the teams, overall series leaders Tommy Hilfiger and Volvo Ocean Race, upside down. Tommy Hilfiger helmed by Randy Smyth performed a spectacular cartwheel after they dug the front of the boat in whilst they were leading the race. The boat got to the point of no return and all of the crew members tumbled from the high side, through the air and into the water.

Randy Smyth on Hilfiger stuffs it and cartwheels down the course (photos by Richard Blake)


The beginning.., the rudders are cavitatiting and they are overpowered

Disaster is near as the bow digs in and the rudders come out of the water

Now they do their "TRICK" sailing exhibition.., Cartwheeling 101 down the bay

Unfortunately Tommy Hilfiger were unable to finish the race but still managed to hold on to second place overall after scoring two seconds and a first in the three earlier races of the day.

In exactly the same spot, just one lap later, Volvo Ocean Race helmed by the class designer Yves Loday mirrored the mistake and although they didn’t do a complete cartwheel, they did capsize the boat causing them to forfeit a result from that race.

Team Basilica, helmed by 49er sailor Alister Richardson managed to keep their heads above water. The all British team scored four results inside the top three to pull out an eighteen point lead over second placed Tommy Hilfiger.

Conrad Humphreys’ Motorola had the best day out of the fleet. With Isle of Wight sailor Leigh McMillan at the helm, the team went on to score two firsts and two thirds to place them third overall - just one point off second. Team Holmatro, helmed by class creator and double Olympic medallist Mitch Booth is currently placed fourth overall with Team Volvo Ocean Race fifth.

Racing continues tomorrow at 14:00 (local). For further information on the class log onto www.VolvoExtreme40.org.

Results, Day 2 (after 8 races)
1st Basilica, 72 pts
2nd Tommy Hilfiger, 54 pts
3rd Motorola-CHR 53 pts
4th Holmatro, 46 pts
5th Volvo Ocean Race, 38 pts

Overall Series Rankings (after three events)
1st Tommy Hilfiger 26 pts
2nd Basilica 20 pts
3rd Holmatro 19 pts
4th Motorola-CHR 18 pts
5th Volvo Ocean Race 16 pts

Remaining Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series Dates
Rotterdam, Netherlands 9-14 June, 2006