Spectators and crews alike enjoyed some exhilarating racing on the penultimate day of the Extreme Sailing Series in Cowes, with the fleet reaching speeds of up to 25 knots, in potential capsize conditions.

Following the morning offshore race, won by Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, the predicted cold front passed through The Solent, leaving behind perfect extreme sailing conditions for the afternoon’s inshore racing.

With the wind accelerating to 15-18 knots, Team GAC Pindar claimed their first race win of the series, defeating current leaders The Wave, Muscat, and denying them four consecutive race victories. The team remains in 7th position overall on 143 points.

Paul Campbell-James and crew onboard The Wave, Muscat dominated the first half of the afternoon’s sailing and stay at the top of leader board with 208 points. Mike Golding’s Ecover remain in second on 190 points, but are being chased by Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, who are now just 5 points behind in third place.

With Mitch Booth, skipper of The Ocean Racing Club, forced to retire after breaking his front beam on day four, only eight Extreme 40s will line up for the final day of the Extreme Sailing Series in Cowes.

The last day of inshore racing is scheduled to start at 5.00pm off Egypt Point and with the final race a double pointer, Thursday looks set to be another exciting day of competition.