Rags Continues to Dominate Rolex China Sea Race Fleet

Syd Fischer’s 90-ft Maxi Ragamuffin has a commanding lead some 42 hours into the 27th edition of the Rolex China Sea Race. At 09:30 local time, Fischer’s Ragamuffin 90 was 134-nm from the finish line in Subic Bay, The Philippines and closing in on line honours.

Ragamuffin 90 Photo: Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

Ragamuffin 90 has averaged a constant 10 knots since the start of the race, steadily increasing her lead over the chasing pack. She is expected to complete the 565-nm race in the early hours of Saturday morning. A clutch of 52 foot boats are enjoying an intriguing battle some 100-nm behind Ragamuffin 90.

Freefire leads the TP52s Photo: Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

The TP52 Freefire (HKG) is currently second on the water followed closely by Neil Pryde’s Welbourne 52 Hi Fi (HKG) and Brian Ehrhart’s Lucky (USA), another TP52.

Lucky Photo: Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

The third TP52, Ernesto Echauz’s Standard Insurance Centennial, the only Philippines entry, has opted for a different tactical approach, sailing much further south of the rhumb line, a strategic manoeuvre yet to pay off. Geoff Hill’s 72-ft Antipodes (GBR) is fifth on the water.

Seawolf Photo: Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

The 34-strong fleet also includes Seawolf, whose crew is entirely composed of sailors from mainland China, a first for the race. Seawolf lies 24th on the water, some 327-nm from the finish.

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