Australia’s 23 year-old windsurfing sensation Allison Shreeve has taken the lead in the Women’s Formula Windsurfing Worlds being held at Elwood Sailing Club as part of Sail Melbourne this week.

Scoring a win this morning in light conditions, Shreeve went back out late this afternoon and secured her second victory for the day in heavier air to take the lead from current world champion, Dorota Staszewski, by one point overall after the 27 year old Polishwoman finished third in the later race.

Lucy Horwood from Great Britain finished third in race three today, a best result for the 2005 European Formula champion to-date.

In the Men’s only race of the day, mixed results have changed the order on the leaderboard. Micah Buzianis (USA), the 2004 world champion, took out race three from Albeau Antoine. The big Frenchman, who produced mediocre results yesterday, not finding the lighter conditions to his liking, is one of the top ranked boardsailors in the world. Great Britain has come up in the top three for the first time, with Ross Williams taking out third place in winds that peaked at 17 knots.

The 1999 and 2000 title winner, Wojtek Brzozowski (POL) has taken the lead of the series, moving up from second place following his fifth place today. Like Antoine, his large frame works better in the heavier conditions. Brzozowski’s result has moved yesterday’s leader, 19 year-old Youth world champion Julien Quentel down to second overall, with Devon Boulon (ISV) moving up one place into third.

South westerly sea breezes arrived with a vengeance at 5.30pm on Port Phillip and organisers took advantage getting the Men’s division away at 5.45pm, but it was not so simple, as many were over early and after two general recalls, the Black Flag came out. During the second attempt, Italian entry Beverino Davide returned to shore bleeding profusely from his left arm and was taken to hospital with a deep wound.

Involved in a port and starboard collision with Sakulfaeno Kriangkrai, the Thai sailor returned to shore, a big hole in his board. His disappointment was palpable. Making enquires as to whether Davide was alright, Kriangkrai asked for a protest form.

Following the two ashore, after their Black Flag disqualification, came Hubert Mokrzycki (POL), Pieter Bijl (NED) and Wilhelm Schurmann (BRA) – their day over before it started. Racing finally got underway at 6.50pm, the Women following shortly after.

Spectators were treated to fast and exciting racing. The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky – the foreshore was just the place to be.

No further races were held, as light started to fail. While a minimum of three races constitutes the series, organisers are aiming to hold up to 15 races by the series end on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded in the Men, Women, Master and Youth divisions.

Sail Melbourne is made possible by the support of event sponsors: Sport & Recreation Victoria, Collex, Parks Victoria; associate sponsors Bayside City Council and Menere’s BMW Brighton and support sponsors Ronstan International, Schenker Australia, City of Kingston and the City of Port Philip.

Di Pearson