Yachting: Crichton pulls out

Veteran New Zealand yachtsman Neville Crichton erred on the side of caution yesterday and elected not to race his super maxi Alfa Romeo in the rearranged second and final leg of the Savills Short Ocean Racing Championship on Sydney Harbour.

Atrocious weather conditions prompted the organisers to switch the race to a shorter inner harbour course but Crichton withdrew the 98-footer because he did not want to sail within a crowded harbour in strong winds and visibility reduced to just a metre.

Wild Joe, skippered by Steven David, took line and handicap honours in yesterday's two races to win the series with seven points.

Crichton took second on a countback from Loki, skippered by Stephen Ainsworth, after both boats accrued eight points.