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Jive Talkin arrived into Suva, Fiji just after 1800 hours local time on Thursday evening in an elapsed time of five days, four hours and twelve minutes. Though the slower boats are still arriving into Fiji, Jive Talkin's top spot in both ORC Club rating and PHRF handicap divisions is almost certain. The 35 foot Davidson design yacht is owned and sailed by seasoned campaigner Ray HASLAR (NZL).

This year's event celebrating the 50 years of Auckland to Fiji yacht racing has so far been a spectacular and rewarding race. Stewart THWAITES impressive 30 metre maxi Konica Minolta dwarfing the rest of the fleet was one day and eight hours ahead of the second boat into port, Hydroflow. Third on line honours was Revs, arriving at 1340 on Thursday afternoon, after being frustrated by light winds coming into Suva.

Konica Minolta was fortunate that conditions allowed them to maintain incredible pace for the race duration, while the majority of the fleet have seen a wide range of conditions. The strong south westerly in Auckland, New Zealand, last week ensured all 38 boats a rocket start to the race, though the transition through what is known as the convergence zone before reaching tropical trade winds was slow and tedious for some. Rain and light winds has made the final stage into Suva difficult and frustrating.

Top Five Line Honours

1. Konica Minolta - 82 hours, 47 minutes and 40 seconds
2. Hydroflow - 114 hours, 10 minutes and 22 seconds
3. Revs - 119 hours, 40 minutes and 52 seconds
4. Intrigue - 120 hours, 43 minutes and 13 seconds
5. Lion New Zealand - 123 hours, 11 minutes and 37 seconds