Nordstrand takes victory in first of Platu series

PHUKET: Strong winds and two firsts and two seconds gave Muzza Nordstrand and his crew victory yesterday in the first of this year’s Platu 2000 race series. The crew started by losing the first two races to David Bailey’s boat. In the third race, neither crew did well, with Bailey coming third and Nordstrand dropping to fourth. But strong winds in the last two races seemed to suit Nordstrand. While Bailey faded, coming in fourth in the fourth race and second in the fifth, Nordstrand took line honors in both races. “Family man” Andrew Marshall, with his wife and two children crewing, managed to steal some of the limelight from the big two. Failing to start in the first race, Marshall went on to record two seconds, a third and a fourth. He and his family beat both Nordstrand and Bailey in the third race. Joah Lee’s team placed third overall, Marshall came fourth, Paul Bosanquet fifth and Kaite Varcoe and a crew of first-timers from Dulwich, sixth. The next Platu races will be on April 30. The races are sponsored by Simrad and Lee Marine International Marine Brokerage. Interested parties can contact organizer Simon James on 239057 or email sunthai@phket.loxinfo.co.th.