The bets are being laid in the Melbourne to King Island race

3:40 AM Sat 7 Mar 2009 GMT

'Ninety Seven reports that all is good and loving the sprung sheets racing - M2KI' John Curnow Click Here to view large photo

I love it when the Navigators are on the radio after the Melbourne to King Island sked talking up their chances and the amount of cans they bet with other boats. Clearly it must be good times. We hear from 'Ninety Seven' that it is sprung sheets in a Souwesterly of 18 to 19knots and they are making 8.5 to 9.5knots from it.

That means they are around 5 hours away (all things being equal). Neville 'Nifty' Rose, their Navigator, explains that it is very pleasant out there, albeit somewhat lumpy, which means that the only issue is that on this angle it is a little more challenging when using the head, the crew are all well, and importantly, they're all fed (as are we, with the KIBC members treating us like Kings).

I would say that the KIBC is going to have a lot of thirsty people around shortly. They will be here sooner than expected and as a tight bunch, they will arrive thick and fast. Last boat is now slated for an ETA of 22:58, so a sleep in a real bed for all concerned is a genuine possibility - for those that choose this path.

Thirsty crews on the way to the KIBC soon. - M2KI - John Curnow

'Ninety Seven' are right up the pointy end with 'Extasea' and 'Isuzu Marine', who both share the lead at this time. Clearly Jock and Hamish MacAdie have opened the throttle onboard 'Isuzu Marine', so well done to the current Melbourne to Osaka Cup holders. 'Spirit of Downunder', 'Bombora' and 'Chikara Outlaw' round out the leaders' group.

In the AMS division 'Isuzu Marine', 'Spirit of Downunder' and 'Extasea' pretty much have that division locked up in that order. 'Young Ones', 'Spirit of Downunder' and 'Rogue Trader' are well placed for the PHC division and in IRC it should be 'Extasea', 'Ninety Seven' and very likely 'Bacardi' in that order. Well done to the relatively new to 'The Bus' crew, headed by one-time motor racer, Martin Power.

Regrettably, the ever present Robin Hewitt and 'Yoko' have retired. All crew are well, but the forestay foil has failed and they are currently returning through Port Phillip Heads under main and staysail.

Anyway, the toughest thing about my KI Scotch Fillet Steak Sandwich for lunch were the onions! I cannot take credit for that one - it goes to KIBC Commodore John Hiscock. I'm sure these absolute gems will be demolished by the crews as they arrive.