Place, still we get one more race in, Artemis showing good form this week with another convincing win in Race 7

It elevates the Swedish flagged team to a slender overall lead of just half a point in the Region of Sardinia Trophy regatta standings.

Emirates Team New Zealand only just ran out of race track, challenging Portugal’s Bigamist on the finish line for a fourth place which would have kept them on top of the standings.

In the light sea breeze conditions, 7-10 knots, Artemis made a solid start and reaped the dividend on the left of the track before crossing to the right to ensure they rounded the windward mark first ahead of Bigamist and Bribón.

While that pair gybe set, Matador gained to second by the first gate, which they held to the finish.

It is steaming hot, 35 to 40 degrees on the shore. With not much breeze it is tough, certainly if you are dressed in black.

Then again, the airco stopped for a couple of hours this afternoon in the race village, not comfortable either.

Cagliari is a great town though and the race village is the meeting place of this week with the attractions receiving a lot of credit from visitors and the every night parties being a big success.

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Race 8, hot, little breeze, big holes, shifts…………..

Few teams wish this one not to be started, or abandoned, but after a lot of changing positions it is ETNZ doing the best business, finishing 2nd behind the impressive portugese. Last night till closing time as a team on the dancefloor and today best boat with a 4th and 1st.

Artemis and Quantum dropped the ball at the windward mark, a significant left shift made a brief appearance and left Artemis and Quantum Racing stranded on the edge of the breeze.

Artemis tried a jib for a short time in the headed breeze before the wind lifted again progressively to allow them to re-set a spinnaker. But it proved an expensive experience for they reached the leeward turn in 10th. Recovering to 7th at the finish of a sticky final run, Artemis are now 4.5 pts behind Emirates Team New Zealand.

Quantum 9th, possibly their worst result for ages.

Bribon 3rd, having a good day with 2 of those.

Cristabella 4th, good to see them reading this difficult race right.

Onshore it ain’t easy either, 40 degrees and not many places to hide.

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After 8 Races:

1) ETNZ, 22 points.
2) Artemis, 26.5 points.
3) Matador, 27,5 points.
4) Bribon, 39,5 points.
5) Bigamist, 41 points.