The RMYC match racing series has reached a decisive stage.

Day five of the RMYC Match Racing Winter Series was the closest and most exciting to date.

David Anastasi and his crew of Mark Vassallo, Tom Bonello Ghio and Karl Miggiani came out on top, winning five races from eight.

Ray Condachi’s team, who have been on top of the leaderboard since the beginning of the series, managed four wins which means that they have now lost the top spot. Anastasi’s team moves into the overall lead by just over one per cent win average.

“As we reach the end of the series, competition is intensifying which makes racing even more exciting for us,” Anastasi, winner of last year’s series, said.

“We are happy to have reached the top of the leaderboard as this will allow us to go directly into the final where we know we will have to fight to keep the top spot.”

Matthew Fleri Soler provided a worthy challenge to both teams, winning two races from Condachi but losing three to Anastasi. The outcome puts Fleri Soler’s team in fourth place overall.

Day six of the series, scheduled for today, gives Fleri Soler an opportunity to get more points on board but will not be able to challenge the top two teams.

Anastasi remains on top until the final day where all teams will compete in a KO series to determine the winning crew that will represent the Royal Malta Yacht Club at the International Etchells Invitational Regatta, in Cowes, between August 1 and 5.