Australian Sharpie Championships at Queensland - Day 5

Malcolm Higgins and his crew on Blur have secured the title of Australian Champions in the Sharpie class again with one day of racing still to go. Blur finished second in today's race behind local boat McGees Property after some competitive racing between the two veteran boats of the class.

"It's very good to go in, not have the pressure on us in the last race and win it with one race to go," Higgins said.

Skipper of McGees Property, Bill Cuneo said their preparation this morning was the key to their race win. "Our homework before the start paid off. Our assessment was that there was some pressure and favour on the left hand side of the course and the start was a buoy end favoured start line."

Angus Galloway, crew member of McGees Property, said the racing with Blur had been extremely close. "Us and Blur pulled out in front, so by the second lap it was just us trying to defend and hold them off and play the game."

For 18-year-old Angus, tomorrow will mark his tenth sail in the Sharpie class. "It's good fun racing with three people to spilt off the roles."

The battle is now on for second place overall in the series with only four points between McGees Property, Warpig and One Hump or Two.

"We started the regatta saying we just wanted to do the best that we can do in a day and to do all the basics well," Cuneo said. "The position of where we came was not the focus when we started this regatta. I think that has taken the pressure off us. We're here to do the best we can on that day."

The only boat from ACT, Irish Frog, is leading the handicap event going into the last day of racing.

The final day of racing at RQYS continues tomorrow.

For race results visit www.rqys.com.au/index.php/69th-sharpie-australian-championship