After a postponed start due to a large wind shift just after the five minute warning signal fired, the in-port race got underway in 8-10 knots of wind. Neal McDonald’s Ericsson was a little too quick off the line and had to turn back after starting prematurely.

ABN AMRO ONE hit the line with pace, hotly pursued by Brasil 1 and Paul Cayard’s Pirates of the Caribbean who went on to challenge the Dutch boat all the way around the 20 mile race course.

With added confidence after winning leg eight yesterday, Brasil 1 was on top form and pushed hard throughout the leg, closing the gap to just 15 seconds at one point. A decision to split tacks from ABN AMRO ONE on the third upwind leg saw the Dutch team pull out a 1 minute 26 second lead. The Race Committee’s decision to shorten course on the downwind leg due to the dying breeze, saw ABN AMRO ONE take line honours. Brasil 1 crossed the line in second place followed by Pirates of the Caribbean who finished 51 seconds behind Brasil 1 in third place.

Ericsson managed to recover from the start and came from behind to finish fourth which was helped by a boat handling error onboard Sebastien Josse’s ABN AMRO TWO when they managed to twist their headsail during the second mark rounding, forcing them to drop it and re-hoist it again.

The Dutch/Australian entry Brunel skippered by Australian Grant Wharington for the in-port race moved up to finish fifth with ABN AMRO TWO sixth.

Overall, ABN AMRO ONE has an unbeatable lead and heads up the overall leaderboard. Brasil 1 maintains third place overall but managed to close the gap by half a point on second placed Pirates of the Caribbean.

Due to navigational error on leg eight, Brunel were forced to retire from the leg which results in ABN AMRO TWO overtaking Ericsson overall and holding fourth place with Ericsson fifth.

The fleet now have a few days to recover until they head off again on the final leg from Rotterdam to Göteborg on Thursday 15 June.

 ABN AMRO ONE Mike Sanderson (NZ), Skipper : “It was a great one for us today. We had a ball and the guys did a great job. It is good to have the overall race win behind us as it means that we can mix it up at the start without worrying too much about the results.” “We really had no advantage out there today. We just got a good start and made some smart moves tactically. Stan [Honey] and the whole team did a great job. It was a tactician’s day today.” “The people in Rotterdam have been unbelievable and we have had amazing support around the world but especially here.”

 Brasil 1 Torben Grael (BRA), Skipper : “It was a light wind day but we had a great start and it all went really well for us. I am so pleased with today and obviously yesterday’s result. We think our chances are pretty good for moving up a place to second overall. It is not going to be easy but we are going to watch The Pirates very hard and see how it goes in the next leg. We can’t do any more than that.”

 Pirates of the Caribbean Paul Cayard (USA), Skipper : “Today it was all about protecting our lead over Brasil 1. Everyone did a great job and the boat was going really well. We had to stay in touch with Brasil 1 and we both gave ABN AMRO ONE the lead today.” “Brasil 1 now has to be first or second on the next leg to beat us overall. If they manage to put four boats between us they deserve to beat us.”

 Ericsson Neal McDonald (GBR), Skipper : “It was an okay day but we were a little over eager at the start, probably by two about seconds. If we hadn’t have been we would have nailed the start. I only wish the race was longer as we may have been able to grab a few more places. It was a good days sailing though and the conditions out there were good. It was so great to see loads of spectators come out to see us race.” “I am now really looking forward to sailing the final leg and we will do what we can in that one and see how we go.”

 Brunel Matt Humphries (GBR), Skipper/Crewmember : “It was a good day of racing. The boat was going well with no problems other than the spinnaker halyard sheath and the spinnaker got caught on its way up. It’s great to finish in front of somebody in an in-port race especially here in Holland. We have really enjoyed sailing here.” “We are looking forward to the next leg to show people we can do better and better. Plus I’m sailing home so we have to make ourselves proud and keep our heads held high.”

 ABN AMRO TWO Simon Fisher (GBR), Navigator : “We didn’t have a bad start and we were happy with our position at the top mark but then it all went wrong at the bottom mark. We got the leach tape caught in the jib hanks and then had to drop it and re-hoist it, which lost us a lot of time.”