Martin Siese and his fellow crew are within striking distance of retaining the coveted Vrengen Gold Cup at the 71st Bermuda International Race Week.

The local team posted a phenomenal 2-1-1-1 record in the Great Sound on Tuesday to clinch the ‘A’ series and put more breathing room between themselves and the chasing pack at the top of the 12-boat International One Design Class standings after the opening two races in the ‘B’ series.

“We had a fantastic day and everything went sort of the best way that it could,” Siese told The Royal Gazette.

“The team did a great job getting the boat dialled in and we just had a little bit of speed on everybody. We could just get that little bit extra out of the boat and it showed on the results.”

The defending champions coped best in the blustery conditions, which took its toll on the fleet.

“It was pretty brutal on the boat and on the crew. We had four races in pretty tough conditions, so I am sure everyone slept well,” Siese added. “Everyone was a little banged up and a few bruises I’m sure here and there.

“It was pretty tough and it definitely didn’t make for great racing because most of the time you’re just trying to stay in control of the boat as opposed to racing for position.

“It was a case of just making sure you didn’t lose control and if you could do that consistently you would be up near the front. So again, hats off to the crew who did a great job in those conditions.”

Siese holds a five-point advantage over rival helmsman, four-time regatta champion Peter Wickwire of the Nova Scotia IOD fleet, with three races remaining.

“There is still work to do but we are in a fantastic position,” Siese said. “Hopefully we can finish it off when we get back out there and I am looking forward to it.”

In third, a further eleven points back, is Royal Thames Yacht Club helmsman and previous leader Henry Arnold.

“We are very pleased to be back after the break,” he said. “We have been fighting tooth and nail with the Canadian's (Wickwire) and Martin Siese every race so far.

“Martin's local knowledge seems to have bought him the essential one or two boat lengths, so we have a big challenge to turn it around.”

The final races in the series will be held on Friday in similar breezy conditions.

“It’s still going to be pretty breezy but hopefully we can get the last few races in,” added Siese, who is competing alongside fellow crew Patrick Cooper, Bill McNiven, Andrew Butterworth and Melinda Bessey.

Cooper was at the helm when the local team won the Vrengen Gold Cup last year.

Meanwhile, only two classes were represented at the regatta this year.

Mark Cloutier and crew Adam and Debbie Barboza, Chris Powell, Christian Dunleavy, Walter Smith and George Buckley won all four races contested in perfect conditions in the Great Sound on Sunday to clinch the J105 title.

The Star Sailing League Bermuda team led by helmsman Joshua Greenslade finished second, five points adrift of the winners, with third place going to Heath Foggo at the helm of Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club entry, Yabsta.

The regatta is being hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.