Jack Swikart produced a clean sweep of victories to get his title defence back on track at the Comet International Championship in the Great Sound today.

The Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club helmsman had to make up ground after beginning the day in fifth, and was more than equal to the task as he and sister crew Kate won all three races contested in light air conditions, to surge to the top of the 30-boat fleet.

“We felt like we had great boat speed and were able to get clear and hit the wind shifts in each race,” Swikart told The Royal Gazette.

“We feel really comfortable in the medium breeze conditions and were happy to have such fantastic weather for all three races.

“The fleet was really tight and competitive each race and no lead was truly safe.

“We lost three boats in race two on none of the upwind legs and were luckily able to pass them back on the final beat.

“It’s such a pleasure to sail against such strong competition.”

Swikart, who won the Edward Cross Long Distance Comet Race at the first attempt on Monday, holds a four-point advantage over second place and fellow American Jay Rhame, with Bermuda’s Rudy Bailey ahead of compatriot Stevie Dickinson on a tie-break, a further two-points adrift in third.

“It was actually a good day,” said Bailey, who has won the regatta a record ten times.

“I didn’t get the finishes that I had hoped, but I thought I did great with a second, third and fourth for the day under trying conditions with my grandson Corey Bean, who is doing a phenomenal job as crew.”

The experienced West End Sail Boat Club sailor admits defending champion and leader Swikart is going to be a tough act to beat but has not ruled out his chances for success.

“Jack is sailing very well and has taken advantage of every opportunity,’” Bailey added.

“He’s going to be tough to beat. But there’s three races left and it’s easy to make a mistake, so it’s not over until it’s over.”

Robert Gruskos, who surrendered the lead to fellow American Swikart, rounded off the top five in the pecking order with three races remaining in the seven-race series.