Women's International Match Race Championship off the coast of Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Lewin, competing alongwith her two-member crew comprising sister Peta Lewin and Leatrice Roman defeated highly regarded Australian, Susan Walters in their head to head battle on Thursday, as the round robin elimination series began.

The local, ranked third among women on the Omega World Match Race list, would gain automatic entry into the Brut Gold Cup next month with a first place finish at Marblehead.

Four others recorded victories at the 10 woman regatta, which uses Sonar craft for the event.

Other results had American Courtney Becker-Day upsetting world number two ranked Marie Boserup Klok of Denmark, Germany's Nadine Stegenwalner downing Felicity Clark of Canada, Jody Swanson defeating fellow American Dru Slattery, while another all American match-up saw Hannah Swett hold off the challenge of Betsy Alison.

Racing was postponed yesterday due to a lack of wind.

The regatta is due to finish on Sunday.