The first day of the U.S. Match Racing Championship, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and sponsored by Rolex Watch, Dry Creek Vineyard and Harken, got off to a fast and furious start this morning, as the wind built to 18-20 knots, gusting to 27, under heavy grey skies.

The competition, anticipated to be close, was compelling. Racing was staged in West Harbor, Oyster Bay off Long Island Sound to take advantage of somewhat flatter water under the wind conditions.

The day ended at about 6 p.m. after nearly eight hours of racing and eight flights of the eleven scheduled were completed. The first round robin was not completed, but will continue Friday morning if conditions permit. Tomorrow’s weather is forecast to bring heavy rain and stronger wind.

Today’s results favored King Harbor Yacht Club’s Brian Angel and Pequot Yacht Club’s Dave Perry who ended with the same number of points.  These two teams were in the finals last year.  “Flat water, shifty winds make for great match racing conditions”, said Dave Perry. He noted the unpredictable weather expected, “As a competitor, I take one race at a time, and just go racing”.