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PILLOT TIES HOLMBERG FOR
CONGRESSIONAL CUP LEAD
Long Beach, CA, March 12--Peter Holmberg of the U.S. Virgin Islands remained atop the leader board in the 34th edition of California's Congressional Cup, a position he has enjoyed throughout the three days of match race sailing. But as racing concluded after a fog-bank induced delay, his 10-2 record was matched by France's Luc Pillot. Technically Holmberg has sole possession of first place by virtue of a victory over Pillot in the first of two round robins, but the two skippers are scheduled to meet once more before the regatta concludes on Saturday.
Following yesterday's racing in which the Virgin Islander admitted to ``less than ideal starts," he and tactician John Cutler huddled to discuss a change in strategy. That change was from the following, or ``pushing" boat in the pre-start, to attempting to lead the opponent to the start line.
Although the rules actually favor the following boat, Holmberg and his crew of Cutler, Ben Beer, Steve Gruver, Morgan Avery, and Matt Smith attempted to place their boat in the lead position within two minutes of the start.
``It was more of a light air day, very streaky and leading into the start line made all the difference. We won our starts today and then it was just a matter of picking the wind shifts and trying to stay in the pressure [wind] and avoid the holes [no wind]. Although all the Catalina 37s are pretty much equal, the one we drew today was set up more for heavy air and we got her on a light air day. The boys did a great job pushing her around the course."
Holmberg's first race today resulted in a loss to Markus Weiser of Germany and it was again a penalty which did him in, the same culprit that can be blamed for his only other loss. Whereas yesterday the on-the-water umpires judged the Virgin Islands team as tacking too close, today they drew a flag for an overlap at the leeward mark. An immediate penalty turn was called for and that was enough to give the German a clear run to the finish line.
Holmberg bounced back quickly in the next race versus Francesco de Angelis of Italy. The Italian collected two pre-start penalties, leaving the team from the Caribbean an easy trip around the Pacific course.
Race three and four were against Australia's Neville Wittey and Magnus Holmberg (no relation) of Sweden. Again the change in pre-start strategy paid off handsomely and Team Caribbean notched victories nine and ten.
Still very much in the hunt behind Holmberg and Pillot are Scott Dickson at 9-3 and Andy Green at 7-5. All teams have six races left over the next two days and Holmberg is scheduled to meet both teams that beat him in round one and also Dickson and Pillot. If he is to emerge as this year's champion, he and his team will have earned it. | 
