Etchells sailor Tim Patton and crew Peter Martin and David Morrell made an encouraging start to the Audi Etchells Worlds 2009 in Australia yesterday.

Sailing in 12 knot breezes, the Bermudian skipper placed 36th after starting at the back of the 86 boat fleet.

Patton rounded the first Windward mark in 60th position but by the third leg had moved up 15 spots after gaining momentum. And a late surge on the final run to Leeward saw the reigning Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston champion reel in nine other boats to complete a good day's work on the surf Down Under.

The same, however, cannot be said for Patton's compatriots Martin Vezina, Bill Gravelle and Alan Frith who did not complete yesterday's race despite remaining in the top half of the fleet most of the way.

Vezina and crew held 25th position with one leg to go before bowing out of the race.

Australians Alastair Gair, Jeff Rose and Damien King currently occupy the top three positions heading into today's racing.