The action continued on Day 2 of the Extreme Sailing Series at Cowes Week today with high winds ensuring there were plenty of thrills and spills for the crowds to enjoy.

Thousands of boats took to the Solent to enjoy more exciting racing, with a morning west-south-west breeze blowing up to force 4. For the Extreme 40’s, it was Mike Golding’s offshore experience that paid off again, as he led Ecover to victory in the morning’s longer fleet race, for the second day running.

The wind picked in the afternoon, gusting up to 25 knots, which at times proved extremely challenging for the nine international Extreme 40 crews. Race organisers, OC Events proceeded with caution in allowing guests to enjoy the coveted, fifth man ride, but for those that did, it proved a thrilling experience.

Hulls were flying during the five shorter races, which hugged the shore off Egypt Point and delighted crowds as they watched the world-class yachtsmen being pushed to the limit.

It was the youngest skipper of the fleet, 28 year-old, Paul Campbell-James, on board The Wave, Muscat, who proved the man to beat today. Finishing in the top 3 of every race, he now heads the leader board on 85 points, followed by Ecover Sailing team on 80 and Oman Sail Masirah on 74.

A dramatic collision for the two French crews saw Yann Guichard’s Groupe Edmond de Rothschild hit Franck Cammas’ Groupama 40, wiping out both rudders and forcing the Groupama crew to jump in the water to avoid the impact of hitting the sea wall.

Groupama’s shore team now face a long night of repairs to stand any chance of resuming racing tomorrow.

Team GAC Pindar remain in 8th place on 47 points but made good progress today, securing a fourth and two fifth places.